Episodes

In this episode of Vermonters in Business, co-hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer sit down with Hallie Warner, founder of Founder & Force Multiplier, to discuss leadership, executive support, AI, and what it takes to help entrepreneurs scale.Hallie shares her journey from growing up in a Coast Guard family to spending more than a decade as Chief of Staff to entrepreneur Adam Hergenrother. She explains why she acquired the Founder & Force Multiplier brand, how she's helping leaders through fra...

Co-hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer welcome Kate Robinson, founder of Wild Birch Design, to the podcast. Kate shares her journey from upstate New York to Vermont, a move inspired by her family’s search for more inclusive educational opportunities for her brother with cerebral palsy.In the Vermonter Hot Seat, Kate reveals some of her Vermont favorites—from waffles with Baird Farm maple syrup and summer days on Lake Dunmore to meals at Crooked Ram and a maple-strawberry creamy from Canteen C...

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Cohen, owner of Fiddlehead Brewing Company. Matt shares the story of how he got started the lessons he's picked up along the way, and what's next for the business.Whether you're a fellow entrepreneur, a curious Vermonter, or just someone who loves a good business story, we think you'll find something to take away from this one.If you enjoy the conversation, please like this video and subscribe. It genuinely helps us bring more Vermont stories to the chann...

On this episode of Vermonters in Business, co-hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer sit down with Mary Kate and Haley of the Vermont Doula Company to talk about their journeys to Vermont, the important role doulas play in supporting families, and how they built Vermont’s only doula agency.They break down what doulas actually do as non-medical professionals providing physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. The conversation also tackles common misconceptions, including the belief that doulas are only for unmedicated births or are the same as midwives.Mary Kate and Haley share how Island Doula evolved into the Vermont Doula Company, now entering its fifth year with a growing team of 12–15 employees offering birth support, postpartum care, education, and in-house massage services. They discuss their unique employee-based model, the importance of a team approach for continuity of care, leadership growth, the realities of burnout a…

Join us for a conversation with Molly Mitchell, Founder and Artistic Director of Stowe Children's Theatre, LLC. Originally from Pocatello, Idaho and now based in Stowe, Vermont, Molly has dedicated her career to creating meaningful theatre experiences for young performers.In this episode, Molly shares:Her journey to founding Stowe Children's TheatreRecently earning her Master's Degree in Education with an endorsement in Theatre Arts — a long-held personal dreamA behind-the-scenes look at Stowe C...

Co-hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer welcome Valerie, owner of the Jericho Country Store, and discuss her path from running a bed and breakfast to buying Vermont’s oldest continuously operating country store (opened in 1807). Valerie describes what the store offers—deli sandwiches, grill items, creemees, gifts, groceries, beverages, beer and natural wines, and gas—and emphasizes her role as a steward for the community. They cover seasonality, competition with larger chains, staffing challenge...

In this episode of Vermonters in Business, we sit down with Charlotte Steverson, Co-Owner of Kestrel Coffee Roasters, a Vermont-grown coffee brand known for meticulous sourcing, exceptional hospitality, and a fiercely people-first approach to service. Originally from White Plains, NY and now based in South Burlington, Charlotte brings a rare dual perspective to business leadership. For the past seven years, she has balanced co-running Kestrel with her ongoing part-time work at Spectrum Youth & F...

In this episode of Vermonters in Business, hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer sit down with John Tapper, CEO of All Learners Network, to discuss revolutionary changes in math education. John shares insights on how traditional math teaching methods are being replaced with strategies that emphasize understanding and problem-solving. The discussion also explores the role of parents, technology, and systemic changes needed to improve math outcomes. John answers rapid-fire questions about his Vermo...

In this episode, we sit down with Colleen Palmer, co-owner of Palmer Lane Maple in Jericho, Vermont. Colleen is the creative force behind the maple candy making, bringing passion for cooking, storytelling through food, and decades of experience living and working in Vermont.From maple candy to their beloved creemee trucks, Palmer Lane Maple is more than a business, it’s a family tradition. Colleen shares how she and her family have grown the business with their two daughters leading catering, so...

In this episode, we sit down with David Lane, owner of Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery, Vermont’s first vineyard located in beautiful South Hero, VT. David is a second-generation farmer continuing his family’s legacy—living in the house he grew up in while leading Snow Farm into its 28th year of producing award-winning Vermont wines and now expanding into craft spirits.We cover:🌱 The realities of agriculture in Vermont and the future of family farming🍷 The story behind Vermont’s first vineyard and h...

Vermont's short-term rental industry is misunderstood, controversial, and constantly evolving. In this episode of Vermonters in Business, we sit down with Julie Marks — founder and owner of VTSTRA (Vermont Short-Term Rental Alliance). Julie is not just an advocate; she’s a scientist and a watchdog for truth in marketing, helping consumer brands back up their claims with hard evidence.Julie pulls no punches as she tackles the biggest myths and rumors about STRs (short-term rentals) in Vermont hea...

🎙️ Episode Featuring: Lauren Palmieri MarkCo-Owner of Arrowhead Lodge | Milton, VT🌐 www.arrowheadlodgevt.comIn this episode, we're joined by Lauren Palmieri Mark, co-owner of the beloved Arrowhead Lodge in Milton, Vermont. Originally from Rochester, NY, Lauren shares the incredible story behind launching Arrowhead Lodge—just weeks before the world shut down in early 2020. Despite the timing, the lodge recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary and continues to thrive as a community hub for food,...

Our newest guest, Clinton Calderwood, is the entrepreneurial force behind Vermont Dryer Duct, a specialized service business that’s growing fast and filling an important niche in home safety and maintenance. With a background in mechanical engineering, Clinton never expected to find himself in this line of work—but what started as a side job quickly turned into a full-time passion.After years in the engineering world, Clinton discovered a surprising gap in the market for dryer vent cleaning and ...

Our newest guest, Adam Matth, is the enthusiastic and community-driven Director of South Burlington Recreation and Parks. Originally from Wisconsin, Adam brings a fresh and energetic perspective to Vermont’s recreation scene, blending a background in professional sports with a passion for inclusive, innovative community programming.Before stepping into his role in South Burlington, Adam built a vibrant career in the world of athletics—working with organizations like the Vermont Lake Monsters, th...

Our newest guest, Taice Perrotti, is the passionate founder behind Archery Close, a stylish and thoughtfully curated fashion boutique based in the heart of Stowe, Vermont. With no formal background in fashion, Taice transformed a lifelong passion into a dream career—pivoting from roles in database management, fundraising, and startup CRM work to opening her own shop. True to her personal rhythm of changing careers every seven years, she's now four years into Archery Close and thriving in a commu...

Our new guest, Connor Timmons, is the dedicated Executive Director of HomeShare Vermont, a nonprofit organization committed to fostering meaningful connections through shared housing. Based in Vermont, HomeShare Vermont helps individuals find safe, affordable housing while providing companionship and mutual support. Their innovative program matches home providers with home seekers, creating mutually beneficial living arrangements that empower people to remain in their homes while offering afford...

Our new guest, Katie Frederick, is the driving force behind Applied Solutions Consulting (ASC), a Vermont-based firm dedicated to helping businesses reduce risk and foster a culture of workplace safety. ASC takes a proactive approach to workplace safety, offering services like management involvement, employee training, OSHA compliance reviews, and on-site pre-OSHA inspections. These strategies not only protect employees and assets but also save companies valuable time and money. By ensuring empl...

Our new guest Alison Davis, specializes in empowering businesses to achieve their full potential through strategic capital solutions. Based in Vermont, the firm Quantam Leap Capital is dedicated to providing innovative funding strategies tailored to each client's unique needs. Known for its personalized approach and commitment to fostering growth, Quantum Leap Capital helps businesses navigate financial challenges and seize opportunities. Discover more about their services and expertise on their...

The Tipsy Pickle, owned by Angela Chicoine, offers a unique selection of gourmet pickles infused with alcohol, such as gin, bourbon, and rum. Based in Vermont, the business creates distinctive flavors like Maple Rum and Double Garlic Lush. The brand is recognized for combining artisanal pickling with creative twists, making it a favorite for those looking for a bold, fun food experience. You can explore their products and learn more on their website: https://thetipsypickle.com/

Our latest episode is out now and it features Barb Salg from Sterling Ridge Resort! In this episode, we’re excited to feature Barb Salg, co-owner of Sterling Ridge Resort in Vermont! Located in the Green Mountains, just minutes from Smugglers’ Notch, Burlington, and Stowe, this log cabin resort is the ideal setting for romantic getaways, family vacations, weddings, and corporate retreats.https://www.sterlingridgeresort.com/Tune in to discover how Barb and Sterling Ridge Resort are making a diffe...

Our latest episode is out now and it features Mandy Yates from JaniTech! In this episode, we’re excited to feature Mandy Yates, a Staffing Administrator and Recruiter at JaniTech, a leading workspace cleaning service in Vermont. Mandy shares her experiences in the staffing industry, the importance of creating a supportive work environment, and how JaniTech is setting new standards in maintaining clean and healthy workspaces across the state.Tune in to discover how Mandy and JaniTech are making a...

Our latest episode is out now featuring Megan Stearns from Lines Vermont! Megan and team are doing incredible work over at Lines VT and I think her passion for dance really showed in this episode. What an incredible resource and outlet for adult Vermonters. If you love dance or want to give it try check them out here: https://www.linesvt.com/

People of Vermont! What an awesome episode talking all things IT and Cybersecurity with Tim West of Green Mountain IT Solutions.We often think that small businesses in Vermont aren't at risk for these kinds of exposures but that couldn't be further from the truth! The reality is 61% percent of Small Businesses were target by an attack in 2021 and that has only increased in recent years.Your IT and cybersecurity matters! Give this one a listen and to learn more about Green Mountain IT Solutio...

What an interesting episode this was! Truly eye opening on a lot of fronts.Josh Costa from Sleepwell recycling started his mattress recycling business in the height of the pandemic and hasn't looked back since! Every year they recycle more than 10,000 mattresses and prevent them from taking up valuable space in our landfills.A fascinating topic and listening to Josh's passion for the business and the cause was contagious.For more about Sleepwell Recycling check them out here: Sleepwellrecy...