Rethinking Water Quality and Community

What happens when a software founder returns to her roots in Maine and sees clean water as the foundation for local economic development? In this episode of the Legacy Podcast, host Paul Dio speaks with Jen Millard, co-founder and CEO of Maine Love, a growing water brand with a mission far bigger than hydration. After years leading tech companies and consumer product startups, Jen returned to her home state to build something that mattered not just a brand, but a vehicle for job creation, sustainability, and local reinvestment. From repurposing idle breweries to creating a supply chain that keeps economics in-state, Maine Love represents a fresh model of what it means to build a legacy-driven business. Jen shares how her liberal arts education and deep Maine roots shaped her entrepreneurial vision, how Gen Z is redefining consumption with health and intention, and why being radically kind is just as essential as product-market fit. If you've ever wondered how to turn a simple idea like water into a scalable, meaningful brand, this conversation will quench your curiosity. Timestamps 00:01:10 – How the idea for Maine Love was born 00:03:00 – Jen's background in retail, tech, and personalization 00:05:30 – Launching with 5 SKUs and breaking into 500+ retail doors 00:06:50 – Becoming an entrepreneur after selling her first company 00:08:00 – Why Gen Z and moms are drawn to Maine Love 00:09:00 – The surprising challenges of selling water in a state full of it 00:11:00 – Water quality, municipal sourcing, and economic reinvestment 00:13:00 – Jen's vision for job creation and retaining Maine's next generation 00:14:30 – How to buy, subscribe, and find Maine Love near you Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review here → Apple Podcasts Thank you for listening to this episode of the Legacy Podcast. Great reviews help us reach more legacy-minded entrepreneurs just like you. Episode Resources Connect with Jen here and find more about what she does: https://mainelove.com Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.