Vermonters In Business

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 Children's Theatre's summer programsA special spotlight on the high school production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"Why theatre arts education matters for kids and teensWhether you're a parent, educator, young performer, or theatre lover, you won't want to miss Molly's passion for the stage and the next generation of storytellers.📍 Learn more about Stowe Children's Theatre:🌐 Website: www.stowechildrenstheatre.com📧 Email: [email protected]📞 Phone: (802) 730-4158📮 731 Worcester Loop Rd, Stowe, VT 05672#StoweChildrensTheatre #YouthTheatre #VermontArts #TheatreEducation #YoureAGoodManCharlieBrown #CommunityTheatre #ArtsEducation

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 challenges, rising costs, and the complexities of managing aging gas pumps and tanks, including required training and upfront fuel purchases. Valerie shares updates she’s made to refresh and reorganize the historic space, notes the impact of the post office leaving in 2024, and outlines plans for more community events, catering, and prepared dinners.00:00 Show Welcome02:39 Finding Vermont08:15 Buying The Store13:48 Must Try Items24:34 Lessons Learned and Advice28:09 Avoiding Burnout28:41 Support Local Stores28:51 Guest Suggestions Wrap29:35 Final Thanks Outro

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 & Family Services—an experience she credits with shaping her empathy, management style, and commitment to building a workplace where staff feel genuinely supported.Charlotte shares Kestrel’s philosophy on hospitality, why their cafés don’t accept tips (including their new airport location opening soon), and how that policy ties into dignity, consistency, and culture. She also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes work of scaling a mission-driven beverage brand while staying rooted in Vermont values.Connect with Charlotte:Website: www.kestrelcoffees.com

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 Vermont preferences and provides a compelling look at the educational landscape's future challenges and opportunities. Don't miss this engaging conversation on transforming math education!00:00 Introduction to Vermont Tourism In Business05:34 Challenges and Innovations in Math Education12:13 The Role of Games in Math Learning15:10 Challenges in Modern Math Education16:18 Parental Influence on Math Curriculum17:28 The Role of Technology in Math Learning19:06 Future of Math Education and Federal Changes20:05 Equity and Inclusion in Math Education21:31 Engaging Parents and Overcoming Resistance27:13 Systemic Changes and Teacher Training30:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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, social media, and driving the iconic creemee trucks to weddings, graduations, and community celebrations across Vermont.We cover:🍁 The craft of maple candy making and the artistry behind it👩‍👧‍👧 How family drives the business and keeps traditions alive🚚 The story of Palmer Lane’s creemee trucks and their role in Vermont celebrations🌲 The importance of community, sustainability, and small business in Vermont agriculture📖 Colleen’s journey from growing up “everywhere” as a military brat to planting roots in Vermont for over 30 yearsIf you love maple, family business stories, or want a taste of what makes Vermont culture so special, this episode is packed with warmth, tradition, and insights you won’t want to miss.🔗 Learn more: www.palmerlanemaple.com

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 how Snow Farm built its legacy💼 Challenges and insights from running a small business in a rural community🌍 Why sustainability is central to winemaking and farming at Snow Farm🤝 How vineyards strengthen local culture, tourism, and community connectionIf you’re passionate about wine, farming, sustainability, or small business entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insights and stories you won’t want to miss.🔗 Learn more: www.snowfarm.com📌 Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-lane-88a13825/

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 head-on. Who are the people behind these rentals? What do they actually contribute to the local economy and communities? And why are false claims — whether in marketing or about STRs — her ultimate pet peeve?Whether you’re a business owner, a Vermont local, or simply curious about the economic impact of STRs, you’ll want to hear Julie’s sharp, science-driven perspective.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with Vermont’s most forward-thinking business leaders.

🎙️ 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, drink, and connection.Lauren dives into:☕ The vision behind Arrowhead Lodge🏗️ The unsung heroes—staff members and the original building owners—who brought it to life🌲 What it’s like running a business in small-town Vermont❤️ And the resilience it takes to survive and grow through uncertain timesWhether you're a local, a traveler, or a fellow entrepreneur, Lauren's story is packed with heart, gratitude, and some seriously inspiring takeaways.📍 Location: 2 Main Street, Milton, VT 05468📞 (561) 419-1725📧 [email protected]🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment to support local stories like Lauren’s!#VermontBusiness #ArrowheadLodge #WomenInBusiness #MiltonVT #Entrepreneurship #VermontPodcasts #SmallBusinessJourney #HospitalityStories

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 safety services. What began as a small project on the side rapidly gained momentum, eventually leading him to leave his career and dedicate himself fully to Vermont Dryer Duct. Now, he's applying his technical knowledge and problem-solving mindset to help homeowners across Vermont stay safe and energy-efficient.In this episode, Clinton shares how an unexpected opportunity turned into a thriving business, what he's learned from building a service-based company from the ground up, and why taking a leap of faith can sometimes lead you exactly where you’re meant to be. Tune in for a conversation about risk, reinvention, and the unexpected paths to success.

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, the Houston Astros, and UVM Athletics. That experience helped shape his leadership style: dynamic, people-focused, and driven by impact. Now based in South Burlington, he’s leading the charge on exciting new initiatives like the July Fitness Series, Park Hop Brews, Girl in Sports Day Clinic, Adaptive Sports Programming, SBRP Kids Club, and the Social Pulse Young Adult Social Group.In this episode, Adam shares how his journey from baseball stadiums to municipal recreation has fueled his commitment to creating meaningful, accessible programs for all ages. Whether it’s organizing clinics for young athletes or launching inclusive events for the wider community, Adam’s mission is clear—recreation should be for everyone.Tune in to hear his story, learn about the creativity behind South Burlington’s most exciting events, and get inspired by how recreation can transform communities from the inside out.

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 community that’s as creative and inspiring as she is.A longtime lover of Vermont, Taice spent her childhood summers in Stowe, dreaming of one day calling it home. Years later, a leap during the pandemic made that dream a reality. In this episode, she shares her entrepreneurial journey, the unexpected twists that led her to fashion retail, and her deep appreciation for Stowe’s collaborative, supportive business community. Oh, and in her next life? She’d love to be a chef.Tune in to hear her story, get inspired by her leap of faith, and learn how Archery Close is shaping Vermont’s fashion-forward future.https://archeryclose.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopNGa9XQThReOG9nU6B39h3ncgBWWNUPFDNugmY7CHPGsrMt0Ya

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 affordable housing options to those in need. By promoting independence, reducing isolation, and building stronger communities, HomeShare Vermont is redefining how we think about housing and caregiving. Learn more about their impactful work and how you can get involved by visiting their website!https://www.homesharevermont.org/

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 employees feel safe and valued, ASC helps organizations boost performance, productivity, and worker retention while safeguarding their bottom line. Discover how ASC can transform your workplace on their website!https://ascllcvt.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiefredericksafety/

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 website.

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 difference in Vermont's business landscape!

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 difference in Vermont's business landscape, one clean office at a time!

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 Solutions hit up Tim here: greenmtnit.com Party on!

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: Sleepwellrecycling.com

Our latest episode is out now and it features a true champion of the Islands! Matt, is a true business leader at heart and loves focusing that spirit around building successful businesses in the islands of VT! In this episode Matt chats about the modest start of the brewery from his days at the Bagel shop, the lengthy construction process for their new space, and how he is looking forward to seeing Two Hero's continue to grow into a community oriented space for our folks in the islands to enjoy. Oh and they make some pretty darn good beer too! For more on Two Hero's: https://www.twoheroesbrewery.com/

Our latest episode is out now and it features a Marketing Icon! Matt Dodd's of Brandthropology has a wealth of experiance when it comes to branding and positioning. Brandthropology is a perennial Best in Business award winner in VT and I think we could have easily spent significantly more time with Matt and hearing about the work he has done. Including working with products like Visa Gold Card, Wisk, Gatorade, and Oreo. Amazing experience! Lastly anyone that knows Matt knows he is an avid Hickory Golfer. So we had to toss in a bonus hot seat question just for him! For more on Matt check out Brandthropology: www.brandthropology.com

Our latest episode is out now and it features Reuben Stone and Mark Browning of Stone and Browning Property Management. Mark and Reuben are great business owners and friends to both Vermonters in Business and Kinney Insurance. We are grateful to get the chance to work with them regularly! They just passed 10 years in business with no signs of slowing down. Tune in for what is to come for Stone and Browning and stick around for some of their lessons learned along the way. Appreciate you coming on the show Mark and Reuben! For more on Stone and Browning: https://stonebrowningpm.com/

Episode 3 of Season 2 is out now and it features Matt Williams of the Catamount Trail Association. What a cool organization and a great episode. Join us a Matt details everything you need to know about the Catamount Trails Association. We loved hearing about its start when 3 friends got together and said "Let's ski across the length of VT!" 40 years later the trail is thriving. Matt's insights and leadership for the organization are truly impressive! For more: www.catamounttrail.org

Episode 2 of Season 2 is out now and it feature Same Roach-Gerber from the VCET! What an Episode! First Sam hosts her very own podcast so it was a treat to have her on the show and be able to cross share some podcast tips. Be sure to check out "Start Here" episodes over on their page: https://vcet.co/start-here-podcast/ Loved the conversation with Sam! her passion for growing Vermont businesses and the work they do over at VCET is truly inspirational. And lets not forget her love for adult field hockey! Give this one a listen! For more on Sam and VCET: www.vcet.co https://www.instagram.com/vcet.co/

Welcome to Season 2 episode 1 of Vermonters in Business! As you know our mission is to highlight the businesses and business leaders in our state that are doing outstanding things! Kicking off Season 2 is Brian Stark. He is the owner of Stark Law PLLC and Countryside Carpet and Paint. Join us as we chat with Brian about his journey from the law world to scaling back his practice and making a transition into a new industry after acquiring Countryside Carpet and Paint! For more on Stark Law check out https://www.starklawvermont.com/ For more on Countryside Carpet and Paint: https://www.countrysidecarpetandpaint...

Welcome to a special edition of Vermonters In Business. Occasionally we come across great guest opportunities with killer insight in areas Vermont business could benefit from. Galen Dow is one of those people! Galen is B2B marketing expert and has a proven track record for helping business improve their marketing. In this special edition, Galen and Drew sit down and discuss all things B2B Marketing. If you need help with marketing and want to learn more check out this episode! For more on Galen Dow: [email protected] https://www.ampedpipeline.com/https://www.brandgen.io/

Welcome to our 11th episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight every day Vermonters doing outstanding work in their businesses and communities. Joining us for Episode 11 is Thomas Gallagher CEO of Peoples Trust Company "The Bank with a Heart" located in Franklin County! In this episode Tom talks about the current state of the banking industry Where things are headed and of course tackles the Vermont Hot Seat questions. Check it out here and like and subscribe for future episodes! For more on Peoples Trust Company https://www.ptcvt.com/ Phone: 800-479-2196

Welcome to our 10th episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight every day Vermonters doing outstanding work in their businesses and communities. Joining us for Episode 10 is Joe Villemaire of Rockstar Real Estate one of our local top notch real estate firms. In this episode Joe talks about the wild changes and swings in the Vermont real estate market over the past couple of years. Where the industry is headed and of course tackles the Vermont Hot Seat questions. Check it out here and like and subscribe for future episodes! For more on Joe and his team over at Rockstar: https://rockstarhomesvt.com/joe-ville... 802-764-0571 [email protected]

Welcome to our 9th episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight every day Vermonters doing outstanding work in their businesses and communities. Joining us for Episode 9 is Rosann Kramer of Runway Auto on of the premier full service auto body and collision shops in Vermont! In this episode Rosann talks about the ever evolving changes in the autobody shop world and the challenges they are currently facing. Where the industry is headed and of course tackles the Vermont Hot Seat questions. Check it out here and like and subscribe for future episodes!

Welcome to our 8th episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight every day Vermonters doing outstanding work in their businesses and communities. Joining us for Episode 8 is John and Rachel from Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity. In this episode both John and Rachel tackle the hotseat questions and more importantly dive into some of the great work they do in our community helping fellow Vermonters. Check it out here and like and subscribe for future episodes!

Welcome to our 7th episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight every day Vermonters doing outstanding work in their businesses and communities. Joining us for Episode 7 is Jaeger Nedde of Nedde Real Estate on of Vermonts premier commercial real estate brokerages. In this episode Jaeger outlines the current state of the Vermont real estate scene. Where the market is headed and of course tackles the Vermont Hot Seat questions. Check it out here and like and subscribe for future episodes!

Welcome to our 6th episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight every day Vermonters doing outstanding work in their businesses and communities. Joining us for Episode 6 is Heather Kraemer of Kraemer and Kin Brewery located in beautiful Alburgh VT! In this episode Heather outlines the history of the brewery and highlights all the things that make them unique in the amazing VT Brewery scene. Of course she also tackles the Vermont Hot Seat Questions.

Welcome to our 5th episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight every day Vermonters doing outstanding work in their businesses and communities. Joining us for Episode 5 is Jason Dillon from Heritage Toyota. In this episode Jason and Drew go way back as he tackles the Vermont Hot Seat questions, gives us some background on the current state of the auto industry and clears the air on hybrid vs electric power! Check it out here and like and subscribe for future episodes!

Welcome to our 4th episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight every day Vermonters doing outstanding work in their businesses and communities. Joining us for Episode 4 is Amanda Grant Owner of North Road Productions. In this episode Amanda tackles the Vermont Hot Seat questions, gives us some background on what North Road Productions does and some of the current industry trends and best practices in the videography business. Super insightful! Check it out here and like and subscribe for future episodes! For more about North Road Productions check them out here: https://www.northroadproductions.com/ 802-884-0344 For more about Kinney Insurance you can find us here: https://www.kinneyins.com/ 802-372-8804

Welcome to our 3rd episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight every day Vermonters doing outstanding work in their businesses and communities. Joining us for Episode 3 is Dr. Andrew McCanse from Precision Chiropractic. In this episode Dr. Andrew tackles the Vermont Hot Seat questions, gives us some background on what Precision Chiropractic does and some of the current industry trends and best practices in the business. Super insightful! Check it out here and like and subscribe for future episodes! For more about Precision Chiropractic check them out here: https://www.precisionchirovt.com/ (802) 557-0527 For more about Kinney Insurance you can find us here: https://www.kinneyins.com/ 802-372-8804

Welcome to our second episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight every day Vermonters that are doing outstanding work in their businesses and in their communities. Joining us for Episode 2 is Monica Chapman from Puroclean. In this episode Monica tackles the Vermont Hot Seat questions, gives us some background on what Puroclean does and some of the current industry trends and best practices in the restoration service business.

Welcome to our very first episode of Vermonters In Business where our mission is to highlight everyday Vermonters that are doing outstanding work in their businesses and in their communities. Joining us for Episode 1 is Zack Chilcote from Vermont Federal Credit Union. In this episode Zack tackles the Vermont Hot Seat questions, gives us some background on Vermont Federal Credit Union then dives into some industry insights and trends in the commercial lending space! Check it out here and like and subscribe for future episodes!