It’s Freitag! - Business and Life in the Monadnock Region

In this episode of It's Freitag, Liz LaRose, Executive Director of Monadnock United Way, sits down with Jan to talk about what it actually means to lead a nonprofit through a decade of change, and why the old model had to go. A communications professional turned fractional marketer turned nonprofit leader, Liz spent 13 years as a one-woman marketing engine for financial firms and nonprofits before stepping into her first director role. She talks about the shift from a traditional grant-distribution model to collective impact, the housing and childcare crises the Monadnock region is still working through, and why bringing competing nonprofits to the same table turned out to be the most powerful thing the United Way could do.

In this episode of It's Freitag, Jay Kahn, Mayor of Keene, NH, sits down with Jan to talk about what it actually means to lead a small city, and why he chose to. The son of German immigrants and a first-generation college student from Chicago, Jay spent 28 years at Keene State College, served in the NH State Senate, and built his entire career around one idea: show up, fill the void, and serve. He talks about the manufacturing ecosystem most people don't know Keene has, the housing challenges the city is working through, and why trading a big-city career for a small New England town was the best decision he ever made.

In this episode of It's Freitag, Megan Gomarlo shares how she built Northern Lights Cheerleading from three mat strips in a community room into a nationally recognized program in Keene, NH. She talks about growing up in cheer, winning Monadnock's first-ever state championship alongside her mom, and what it takes to coach athletes from a small town onto the national stage — while making sure every kid in the community has a place on the mat.

In this episode of It's Freitag, Jan sits down with Wink Faulkner, founder of Red House Advisors, to talk about what four decades in business really teaches you. From Markham to Italy to the CEO seat, Wink shares why servant leadership works, why the fundamentals matter, and how helping others is the best business strategy of all.

Paul Finley, owner of Finley Construction, shares how he went from running a painting business to leading a 15+ person construction company in New Hampshire. In this episode, Paul talks about the systems, team culture, and client experience that made scaling possible — and the hard lessons learned along the way. A must-listen if you're in the trades or growing a service business.

In this episode of It’s Freitag Podcast, Jan Ziegler sits down with Jordan Cemorelis, founder of Max Aesthetics, to talk about her transition from pediatric ICU nurse to entrepreneur. From building a med spa rooted in clinical expertise to balancing business ownership with advanced medical training, Jordan shares an honest look at growth, risk, and creating a patient-centered approach to aesthetics and wellness.

Jan Ziegler sits down with Corinne Breton-Benfield, Executive Director of Stay Work Play NH, to talk about workforce challenges, young talent retention, and building a stronger future for New Hampshire. From addressing housing and childcare barriers to fostering collaboration across business, government, and community leaders, this episode explores how intentional action can shape a more sustainable and thriving state.

Jan Ziegler sits down with Michelle DellaVita, Director of Leadership Monadnock at the Greater Monadnock Collaborative, to talk about regional leadership development, workforce retention, and building stronger community connections. From expanding leadership pipelines to fostering cross-sector collaboration, this episode dives into how intentional leadership strengthens the entire Monadnock Region.

In this episode of It's Freitag Podcast, host Jan Ziegler interviews Colleen Spear, founder of Spearpoint Strategies. Colleen shares her journey from sustainability student to business consultant, explaining how she helps companies scale and grow with purpose through systems and strategy. From the importance of networking to redefining consulting for small businesses, Colleen offers insights into building businesses that thrive long-term without losing their culture or values. Tune in for practical advice on creating systems that support both profit and purpose.

In this episode of It’s Freitag Podcast, Jan Ziegler sits down with Joe Shawver, owner of The Square Books. They discuss Joe’s journey building a bookkeeping business rooted in trust, education, and long-term relationships. Tune in for valuable insights on understanding the story behind the numbers, helping business owners identify profitability, and growing a service-based business through referrals and community involvement.