Boston's Best

A year ago, I shared my entrepreneurial journey.  From working 30+ hours at Ace Hardware in High School and buying my own car at the age of 16, selling one of my businesses and buying my first home at the age of 23, and within the last several years of helping lead others in their journey to financial freedom, I’ve learned a lot of things along the way about how to create a strong business strategy and what it takes to build resilience and a solid mindset to keep me going.  With these lessons in mind, I’ve been slowly chipping away at learning the ropes of launching a product, from concept and design to executing a physical product with opportunities to grow in the future. Now, I’m excited to share my new business venture, iPupPee.  iPupPee is the ultimate pet product that gives your dog a voice and lets them tell you when they need to go out. Let your dog text you with the easy-to-use paw-shaped button and 24/7 live video feed, so you never miss a moment or a bathroom break again! In honor of my boy, Champ, and the Kickstarter launch of iPupPee, Jonathan Krieger, former guest (Ep. 011) and Founder and Emperor of BoardGame Empire, takes the lead as Podcast Host. During our conversation, Jonathan interviewed me about how the original idea for iPupPee got started, how I’m keeping Champ’s spirit alive, the step-by-step process of launching a new product with 52Launch, and how to market your new business idea strategically.  Topics Discussed: Launching a product - from concept to reality  Learning curves behind patents and product development The delicate process behind product inventory Balancing time management while operating multiple businesses (and family) How to get the best ROI vs. Organic Growth in a new industry What being a father has taught me about business and priorities iPupPee PRESALE: https://presale.ipuppee.com/ Additional Resources: Connect with Jonathan Krieger Website: https://www.playboardgameempire.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-krieger-151a1a3b/  Connect with 52Launch Call: 508-405-2605 Email: [email protected] About Boston’s Best: “Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.” Go behind the scenes with financial planner Mark Condon as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout Massachusetts.

Throughout the last two years of Boston's Best, I have interviewed over ninety-nine guests to find what sets their businesses apart from their competition. I've learned how they have risen above the inevitable challenges, what it takes to be an exceptional leader in any given industry, and what success means to them. Now, in honor of Boston's Best 100th episode, I'm switching things up. To celebrate this milestone, Matt Ramey, Owner of Concept Properties and former guest (Ep. 055), takes the lead as Podcast Host as he interviews me about my entrepreneurial journey as a Financial Planner, Investment Educator, and Wealth Management Author. Growing up in Stoughton, MA, I learned what it was like to have a hardworking mindset and an entrepreneurial spirit. From working 30+ hours at Ace Hardware in High School and buying my own car at the age of 16 to selling one of my businesses and buying my first home at the age of 23, I now help lead others in their journey to financial freedom. As Matt and I discuss the importance of understanding your finances, I share why taking chances at a young age can be beneficial to building your future. I also share the hardest lessons I learned starting my financial business and why you should never wait until it's too late to focus on your financial future. Topics Discussed: Why building trust with your clients takes time Understanding the long-term compound effect in interest and gains The importance of mentorship in any industry How taking a gap year can help guide you along following your passions Recognizing that goal-setting and levels of success change over time Connect with Mark Condon, CPFA: Website: https://www.markcondon-cfg.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkCondonCFG Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/markuspatrick13 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markuspatrick13/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcondoncfg/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkCondonCFG Twitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/MarkCondon13 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOf5ZLs3NDyYLuwfFomdB-g/videos Additional Resources: Ask Mark Condon (4 Book Series): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093R1XBSF?ref_=dbs_p_mng_rwt_ser_shvlr&storeType=ebooks Small Business Trendsetters: https://smallbusinesstrendsetters.com/financial-planner-mark-condon-reveals-methods-to-maximize-retirement-income/ Contact Mark Condon, CPFA: Address: Framingham, MA Call: 781-603-3202 Email: [email protected] Connect with Boston's Best: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/

Are you looking to start your own podcast or offload the heavy burden of editing and producing your show? Have a business but don't know how to create brand awareness for your local community? Or are you looking to amp up your social media game and spread your message online? Then you've come to the right place. This week, I am joined by Cody & Elaine Johnston, Owners of Reckless Media. Reckless Media is a multi-media production company located in central Arkansas that helps purpose-driven leaders serve their local community through digital media. Cody and Elaine also happen to be the producers behind Boston's Best. Whether it's editing audio, writing show notes, or creating material to share across social media, Cody and Elaine have helped me launch Boston's Best. Now, two years later, I'm interviewing them to see how they started Reckless Media, their advice to someone starting a new business, and what they'd tell their 18-year-old selves. During our conversation, Cody shares his lifelong passion for music and how it inspired him to get into audio production. Elaine also shares how blogging in high school led her to help a friend write show notes for their podcast years ago and how it jumpstarted their production company. They also share how they utilize their talents to help other podcasters, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders better serve their communities. Topics Discussed: Utilizing your gifts to chase your passions The difference between high-quality over quantity content Speaking the language to represent clients and their communities The misconceptions behind a strong podcasting strategy Why consistency is critical in creating a solid web presence Learning to take risks and shift your glass ceiling to your starting foundation Connect with Reckless Media: Website: https://recklessmedia.therecklesspursuit.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recklessmediaco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_recklessmedia/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@recklessmedia Additional Resources: Connect with Cody: https://links.brailleatlas.com Connect with Elaine: https://drum.io/elainejohnston Contact Reckless Media: Email: [email protected] & [email protected] Connect with Mark Condon: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/ About Boston’s Best: “Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.” Go behind the scenes with financial planner Mark Condon as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts. Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

If you're looking for an inviting atmosphere full of community, great beer, and a place you can bring your dog, then this episode is for you. This week, I am joined by Jay Southwood, Founder, and President of Break Rock Brewing. Break Rock Brewing is the ONLY current brewery to hit the city of Quincy and prides itself on being a place you can relax after putting in long hours of hard work. During our conversation, Jay shares the process behind starting Break Rock Brewing and the unique challenges faced during COVID-19 that impacted the trajectory of opening for business. Jay also shares how Break Rock Brewing honors Quincy's rich history and looks toward an expansive and opportunistic future. We also discuss the importance of hiring staff that connects with the customer and provides top-tier customer service that brings the community wanting to come back time and time again. Topics Discussed: Why your team’s customer service should be a top-tier priority How Covid-19 impacted the trajectory of opening for business Combining history and present-day behind the name break rock The process behind brewery distribution Bridging the gap between honoring the past and looking forward Connect with Break Rock Brewing: Website: https://www.breakrockbrewing.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreakRockBrewing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakrockbrewing/ LinkedIn: ​https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysouthwood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreakRockBrew Additional Resources: Mainvest: https://mainvest.com/businesses/breakrock-brewing Contact Break Rock Brewing: Address: 534 Victory Rd, Quincy, MA 02171 Call: 617-481-0019 Email: [email protected] Connect with Mark Condon: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/ About Boston’s Best: “Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.” Go behind the scenes with financial planner Mark Condon as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts. Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

This week, I am joined by Erin Bose, the Executive Director and Independent Consultant of Scout and Cellar. Starting in 2017, Scout and Cellar made over $20 million in sales in their first year. What differentiates Scout and Cellar from competitors? Their Clean-Crafted Commitment focuses on creating and delivering the highest-quality, most delicious wine possible, by their own non-negotiable benchmarks for sustainable production and pesticide use. During our conversation, Erin shares how she used her sales background and education to get into the wine industry. Erin also shares how she trained herself in wine tasting and developed her pallet for recognizing various tasting notes. Erin also discusses the difference between organic and clean-crafted wines and why mass-produced wines often include additives and preservatives to ensure consistency of color, taste, etc. Topics Discussed: Utilizing open opportunities and growing your own brand awareness What develops a high-quality glass of wine The process behind growing grapes in vineyards Understanding the truth behind mass-produced wines Crafting a story behind the wine and the winemaker Connect with Scout and Cellar: Website: https://scoutandcellar.com/erinbose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scoutandcellarbyerin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grapes2gardens/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-bose-086114150/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLatNJbkphQqr0L2sO8l7oQ Additional Resources: Wine Enthusiast: https://www.winemag.com/2021/09/14/scout-cellar-wine/ Contact Scout and Cellar: Address: Foxboro, MA Call: 617-212-9619 Email: [email protected] Connect with Mark Condon: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/ About Boston’s Best: “Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.” Go behind the scenes with financial planner Mark Condon as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts. Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

This week, I am joined by Nadia Liu Spellman, CEO & Founder of Dumpling Daughter. First founded in 2014, Dumpling Daughter serves authentic, time-tested dumplings, buns, and noodles in three locations: Weston, Brookline, and Cambridge. Dumpling Daughter's motto, "Making People Happy One Dumpling at a Time," rings true as they're currently working on opening their 4th location in South Boston this summer. To celebrate its 8th anniversary, Dumpling Daughter will launch its first cookbook this coming November. During our conversation, Nadia shares what it was like growing up in the Chinese restaurant business as her parents owned the most high-end Chinese restaurant, Sally Ling's, in Boston in the 80s. Nadia also shares that her parents always encouraged her to follow her dreams. With her love for Chinese cuisine and fine dining and celebrating family through bonding over good food, Dumpling Daughter was launched. Topics Discussed: Expecting the unexpected as an entrepreneur Staying authentic to your passion as well as the customer The power of a good team behind your dream How covid-19 changed the entire ecosystem of the restaurant business Combining a passion for food and a focus on family Connect with Dumpling Daughter: Website: https://dumplingdaughter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dumplingdaughter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumplingdaughter/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ddaughterboston LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-liu-spellman-009451/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2IiGQGm9tJk7uPlinG3Tow Additional Resources: Boston 25 News: https://www.boston25news.com/news/health/weston-woman-opens-new-restaurant-during-pandemic-lends-helping-hand-sister-need/2IR2X3WGMZHT5MZJXFCFJTN4JI/ Contact Dumpling Daughter: Address: 37 Center St, Weston, MA 02493, 73 Ames St, Cambridge, MA 02142, and 1309 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446 Call: 781-216-8989 Email: [email protected] Connect with Mark Condon: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/ About Boston’s Best: “Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.” Go behind the scenes with financial planner Mark Condon as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts. Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

This week, I am joined by Gardy Desrouleaux, the Owner and Managing Partner of Craft Food Halls. Craft Food Halls prides itself on the Attraction Formula that goes well beyond simple dining. Craft Food Halls is a place where differences fall away through intention, dedication, and innovation, and a love for good food, good drinks, and even greater conversation thrives. During our conversation, Gardy shares the art of sous vide cooking, putting people first, and his passion for hospitality. By extending kindness to everyone he meets and injecting positivity into his ecosystem, Gardy shares that he can never retire from his true calling because there are so many people to help along the way. Through Gardy's infectious positivity and friendliness, it is evident that Gardy encourages those around him to think better, feel better, and do better. We also discuss the importance of reprogramming and reframing your mindset, how to view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation, and the power of mentorship. Topics Discussed: The importance of cultivating strong relationships Perfecting the “art” and “craft” behind your calling Balancing flavor profiles through the “sous vide” technique How covid-19 created space for innovation & strategic growth Connect with Craft Food Halls: Website: https://www.craftfoodhalls.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cfhwaltham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardyde/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFHProject LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gardy-desrouleaux-334b0946/ Additional Resources: Restaurantji:  https://www.restaurantji.com/ma/waltham/craft-food-hall-project-citypoint-/ Contact Craft Food Halls: Address: 200 5th Ave, Waltham, MA 02451 Call: 781-790-8121 Email: [email protected] Connect with Mark Condon: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/ About Boston’s Best: “Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.” Go behind the scenes with financial planner Mark Condon as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts. Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

This week, I am joined by Jack McNamara, Founder and CEO of Tru, a functional wellness and energy drink company. While Tru first started as an energy shot company, Tru quickly sought innovation through COVID-19 like many other small businesses. Now, focusing on challenging human potential through nutrition with naturally-formulated products to help you feel good and perform better, Tru creates healthy wellness shots, seltzers, and tablets that taste good and are good for you. During our conversation, Jack shares his entrepreneurial journey in the health and wellness industry, including the early challenges faced and early successes along the way. Jack also shares the importance of networking with those in your industry. Too often, people forget that asking for introductions can double your network and grow your brand, company, and relationships. Topics Discussed: Balancing the fine line between healthy ingredients and good-tasting products The importance of evolving products to fit clients’ wants and desires Surrounding yourself with business owners in your industry Advice for business owners: “Don’t sweat the small stuff” Connect with Tru: Website: https://drinktru.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinktru Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinktru/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinktru LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmac/ YouTube: https://drinktru.com/pages/youtube Additional Resources: Drink Tru Blog: https://drinktru.com/blogs/news Contact Tru: Address: 11 Michigan Drive, Natick, MA 01760 Call: 617-833-9750 Email: [email protected] Connect with Mark Condon: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/ About Boston’s Best: “Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.” Go behind the scenes with financial planner Mark Condon as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts. Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

What if everything you've ever known about dietary guidelines, health, and fitness were all lies? What if health professionals and mainstream nutritionists weren't promoting the most effective healthy habits? And do nutrition labels really tell the whole story? If you've ever wanted to know the truth about the health and wellness industry, then this episode is for you. This week, I am joined by J Gulinello, MS, CNSc, FNTP, Founder of Perpetual Health. Jay has his Masters’s Degree in Clinical Human Nutrition and is a Nutritional Therapist that focuses on “Alternative Nutrition.” Perpetual Health was founded in 2022 and is a nature-inspired retreat center to teach people how to live optimally through natural resources. Their first retreat is scheduled for October 6th-9th in New Hampshire. For more information about the Ancestral Wellness Retreat, visit https://www.perpetualhealth.co/event-details/ to register today! During our conversation, J unpacks the truth behind the health and nutrition industry and why it's essential to do your due diligence when creating the proper lifestyle for you. We also discuss the importance of setting the younger generation up for success with clean eating through education and starting healthy habits early on. Topics Discussed: Common myths and misconceptions behind nutrition and dietary guidelines Mainstream health and nutrition vs. alternative health and nutrition Rethinking chronic disease and advocating for healthspan vs. lifespan Asking better questions regarding healthy eating and living habits Connect with Perpetual Health: Website: https://www.perpetualhealth.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perpetualhealthco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perpetualhealthco/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-gulinello-a3661165/ Additional Resources: Trust Your Gut Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7rh3Kzbzje3yQ6755hIFQF Contact Perpetual Health: Address: New York, NY Call: 781-910-0079 Email: [email protected] Connect with Mark Condon: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/ About Boston’s Best: “Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.” Go behind the scenes with financial planner Mark Condon as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts. Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

This week, I am joined by Ashley Haseotes, President and Founder of One Mission, a non-profit organization located in Westborough, MA, creating memorable experiences for pediatric cancer patients and their families. One Mission programs make living in the hospital less lonely and stressful, bring back joy and hope in a time of fear and uncertainty, and give children and their families the support needed to get through the emotional and financial challenges pediatric cancer brings. To date, Mission raised more than 14.6 million dollars for kids fighting cancer and their families. In this moving discussion, Ashley shares her vulnerable yet triumphant testimony of what led to starting One Mission. At age 7 and 1/2 months old, Ashley's son was diagnosed with AML Leukemia, a rare form of cancer found in middle-aged women. After discovering that she could help her son with a bone marrow transplant, Ashley quickly learned that she could not undergo the transplant since she was pregnant. After experiencing a tragic loss through a sudden miscarriage, Ashley found the blessing in disguise; She was again able to help her son through his fight with Leukemia. Now, Ashley's little boy is almost 17-years old, cancer-free. Topics Discussed: Advocating for cancer patients and their families The most sustainable way to start a successful charity How meditation brings awareness to the present moment Finding healing and hope after suffering tragedy and loss Connect with Ashley Haseotes: Website: https://www.veda-healing.org IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyhaslove/ Connect with One Mission: Website: https://onemission.org/board-members/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/onemissioninc/?ref=ts&v=wall IG: https://www.instagram.com/onemissionofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onemission/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/_onemission YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJYZk9HwQtulU5FgG5TQ3yQ?view_as=subscriber Additional Resources: CEO Magazine Today: https://www.ceotodaymagazine.com/2021/04/one-mission-to-help-families-get-through-cancer-treatment/ Contact One Mission: Address: 69 Milk St, Suite 308, Westborough, MA 01581 Call: (508) 628-9090 Email: [email protected] Connect with Mark Condon: FB: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/ About Boston’s Best: “Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”Go behind the scenes with financial planner Mark Condon as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts. Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.