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.
49 - Protecting Our Natural Environment with Lori Jean Kinsey
In this episode, Steve Cote has a conversation with Lori Jean Kinsey, Executive Director of Tin Mountain Conservation Center in Albany, New Hampshire. They discuss exploring the natural environment with enthusiasts of all ages, collaborating with other non-profit organizations to share resources and enhance programming, and what Lori envisions for the organization in the future.
48 - Turning Creativity into Opportunity with Taja Dockendorf
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Taja Dockendorf, Owner + Creative Conduit at Pulp + Wire in Portland, ME. They discuss why direct communication is especially important as women in business, creativity boosters, and why she cares deeply about improving the lives of disadvantaged children.
47 - A Passion for Service with Joshua and Aaron Snell
In this episode, Steve Cote interviews Joshua and Aaron Snell, owners of ServiceMaster of Carroll and Coos County. They discuss the journey of a family-owned business, the importance of personal interests outside of their careers and supporting the creation of a skate park in the Mt. Washington Valley.
46 - Thoughts Become Things with Sam Patel
In this episode, Ethan Johnson interviews Sam Patel, owner of Friendly Discount Beverage and Hilltop Superette in Portland, Maine. They discuss revolutionizing the local corner store and the values of risk-taking and persistency.
45 - The Power of a Story with Tom Eastman
In this episode, Steve Cote interviews Tom Eastman, Conway Daily Sun Reporter and ski historian. They discuss what makes an exceptional storyteller, how North Conway is the historical birthplace of modern skiing and the power of caring for one another.
44 - Empowering the Home Cook with Anne Weiss
In this episode, Carissa Chipman interviews Anne Weiss, co-owner of SKORDO. They discuss entrepreneurship, creating a cooking community and empowering home cooks, of all experience levels, to create and enjoy good food with the ones they love.
43 - Donut Give Up with Jeff Buckwalter
In this episode, Carissa Chipman interviews Jeff Buckwalter, CEO and Co-Owner of The Holy Donut in Portland, Maine. They discuss the challenges of managing demand, creating a culture that cultivates growth and using the power of flour to give back to their communities.
42 - Giving Back Smiles with Dr. Kelsey Hill
In this episode, Carissa Chipman interviews Dr. Kelsey Hill of Morgan-Hill Dental Care in Gorham, Maine. They discuss her path to becoming a dentist, how technology has improved the patient experience and how she gained trust in the industry.
41 - Raising the Bar for Adult Care with Karen Albert
In this episode, Steve Cote interviews Karen Albert, Director of Community Relations at MWV Adult Day Center. They discuss fulfilling the region's critical adult service needs, how they collaborate with local non-profit organizations, and what lessons they learned in the pandemic.
40 - Serving Community Responsibly with John Eastman
In this episode, Steve Cote interviews John Eastman, Director of Conway (NH) Parks & Recreation Department. They discuss the importance of leading with a servant's mindset, ongoing staff training and a strong volunteer board.
39 - A Community That Moves Together with Meghan Courchesne
In this episode, Carissa Chipman interviews Meghan Courchesne, Marketing Manager and Master Spin Instructor at Rêve Cycling in Portland, Maine. They discuss taking advantage of opportunity, the hustle of a small business and how to start a fitness routine.
38 - How To Build a Stand-Out Brand With Mallika Malhotra
In this episode, Nina Cutter interviews Mallika Malhotra, owner of MikiFoto + Co. They discuss how she helps female entrepreneurs tell their stories, the questions business owners should ask themselves and how she shares her expertise with her community.
37 - Live and Work in Maine with Katie Shorey
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Katie Shorey, Director of Engagement of Live + Work in Maine and proud boomerang. They discuss how to best attract talent to Maine, the diverse workforce opportunities in the state and her path to entrepreneurship.
36 - How To Be an Authentic Leader with Erin Clymer Lessard
In this episode, Katie Piper interviews Erin Clymer Lessard, author, speaker, consultant, coach and CEO of Lessard Consulting. They discuss how to normalize conflict in the workplace, the benefits of a growth mindset and what makes a great leader.
35 - Finding Your Place in the Family Business with Faustine Reny
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Faustine Reny, 3rd generation owner and Operations Manager at Renys. They discuss how the pandemic has changed how people shop, why giving back matters and why it’s important to hire people smarter than you.
34 - Are Books “Pandemic Busters”? with Laura Cummings
In this episode, Steve Cote interviews Laura Cummings, owner of White Birch Books in North Conway, NH. They discuss the power of books in building relationships, the thrill of discovering a new book or author and supporting local businesses.
33 - Hope and Joy for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses and Their Families with Michael Katz
In this episode, Jim Chalmers interviews Michael Katz, Executive Director of Camp Sunshine on Sebago Lake in Casco, Maine. They discuss the evolution of Camp Sunshine, how it provides a normalizing space for families and campers and how the pandemic has created new fundraising opportunities.
32 - Turning Your Career Into Your Passion with Chelsea Locke Miller
In this episode, Carissa Chipman interviews Chelsea Locke Miller, owner of The Locke Group of Townsend Real Estate in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. They discuss how Chelsea has built a successful real estate brand, how the pandemic has impacted home buying and the importance of work-life balance.
31 - Financial Freedom and Giving Back with Ryan Wallace
In this episode, Steve Cote interviews Ryan Wallace, entrepreneur, real estate agent and police sergeant in Conway, New Hampshire. They discuss how Ryan has created passive income through innovative vending machines, as well as his commitment to his community, which includes running for Conway school board and supporting the Child Advocacy Center of Carroll County.
30 - Minor League, Major Passion with Geoff Iacuessa
In this episode, Steve Cote interviews Geoff Iacuessa, President and General Manager of the Portland Sea Dogs. Steve and Geoff discuss the evolution of minor league baseball in Portland, how they engage Sea Dogs fans in creative ways and how a great office culture can help an organization thrive.
29 - A Voice For The Outdoors with Tyler Ray
In this episode, Jim Chalmers interviews Tyler Ray, founder of Granite Outdoor Alliance. Jim and Tyler discuss work-life integration, the benefit of remote work and how the pandemic has pushed us all to explore our own backyard.
28 - Family, Farming and Always Striving to Be Better: Michele Dutton
In this episode, Crystal Deane interviews Michele Dutton, third generation owner of Sherman Farm in East Conway, New Hampshire. Michele and Crystal explore the intersection of family and business, her belief in instilling a strong work ethic in our youth, and how forward thinking opens up unique opportunities.
27 - Passion On and Off the Court with Keegan Hyland
In this episode, Ethan Johnson interviews Keegan Hyland, Financial Advisor and former Maine basketball player. They discuss how healthy habits lead to success, the importance of mentoring youth in the community, and the impact of giving your all.
26 - Healing The Souls of Our Youth with Kelly Taxter
In this episode, Katie Piper interviews Kelly Taxter, founder of Trust Your Gut, Inc. They discuss the importance of modeling a positive body image, the impacts of isolation and how Kelly brings wellness into her community.
25 - From Sports Journalist to Insurance CEO with Michael Bourque
In this episode, Jim Chalmers interviews Michael Bourque, President and CEO of MEMIC. They discuss how MEMIC created a workplace safety culture in Maine and how Michael’s community involvement led to leadership opportunities.
24 - Taking Initiative and Creating Opportunity with Jonathan Rivers
In this episode, Steve Cote, President of Chalmers Insurance Group, interviews Jonathan Rivers, owner of Indian Mound Golf Course. They discuss how the pandemic has created new opportunities for recreational activities, the importance of being continuously innovative, and how he supports fellow golf course owners.
23 - Getting Students Hooked On Learning with Heather Whitaker
In this episode, Carissa Chipman from Chalmers Insurance Group interviews Heather Whitaker, an alternative education teacher at Gorham Middle School and Maine’s 2020 Teacher of the Year. They discuss different learning paths, how she motivates her students, and how the pandemic has led Heather to become even more innovative in her teaching.
22 - Bringing the Community “Back” Together with Dr. Rob Lavoie
In this episode, Ethan Johnson, Account Executive at Chalmers Insurance Group, and Dr. Rob Lavoie, owner of the Chiropractic Clinic of Gorham, talk about Dr. Rob's journey to becoming a chiropractor, the challenges of having a client facing business during a pandemic, and the void Dr. Rob filled in the Gorham community.
21 - Building a Resilient Business with Pat Weigel
In this episode recorded in early January 2021, Dottie Chalmers Cutter, 4th generation owner of Chalmers Insurance Group and Pat Weigel, CEO of Norway Savings Bank, talk about Norway Savings Bank’s resiliency amid the pandemic, how the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program led to new opportunities, Pat’s plan to retire at the end of 2021 and her advice for young professionals.
20 - The Intersection of Artistry and the Outdoors: Chris Bennett
Today we hear from Chris Bennett, owner of Chris Bennett Photography: how photography has evolved through technology; how watching others has helped him grow; his love for travel and the outdoors; advice when looking for a wedding photographer; and how he used his passion to raise awareness.
