Start Here

Rylan Blowers founded Park Software from the most fitting place possible—an RV. The idea sparked when he and his co-founder John, struggled to book a spot for the night, experiencing the pain points of campground reservations firsthand. The result: a campground management software made simple. Rylan's story is not one to miss. In this episode, we cover building, fundraising, and scaling a software company while living in Vermont. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After nine years of co-hosting this podcast, Sam Roach-Gerber is on the other side of the mic. She’s a baller on all fronts. Known for wearing many hats, Sam started the Female Founders Speakers Series, THIS PODCAST, and advised hundreds of entrepreneurs over the years. How did she get from a bottle redemption girl to one of VT’s best startup advisors? You’ll have to listen to find out. Oh…and stay to the end to see where she’s at now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane and Dave Sandelman have a crazy story. After living the corporate life, they opened an inn in southern Vermont that was one of the Top 10 Culinary Inns in America, pioneering farm-to-table dining. Now, they run Cannatrol, a drying and curing system for cannabis. It all started at a cheese conference when Dave discovered that the physics of aging cheese and drying a flower are the same. Their first prototype sold quickly, and today, Cannatrol has shipped over 6,000 units to 15 countries. Their story is one of innovation, adaptability, and turning curiosity into a global business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob Conboy, CEO of Glavel, shares his journey from working at Burton to founding a company that transforms recycled glass into sustainable insulation. He reflects on how Vermont’s emphasis on sustainability and innovation inspired him to bring foam glass technology from Europe to the U.S. Rob explains how Glavel’s products reduce embodied carbon in construction, create green jobs, and help companies meet their sustainability goals. He also discusses local Vermont partnerships that will make Glavel 100% renewable next year. Rob’s journey will encourage you to #starthere in beautiful Vermont! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sophie Rabe, founder of Olive and Milo Social, shares her path from growing up in Vermont’s Mad River Valley to building a career in digital marketing. After studying communications at Champlain College, Sophie worked in event marketing before freelancing led her to start her own agency. Sophie explains how Olive and Milo Social grew from a local business into a company with clients across the U.S. and Canada. She offers insights on choosing the right platforms, understanding analytics, and balancing posts. Sophie’s work highlights the value of small agencies and their scrappiness. Her story encourages anyone considering building a business to #starthere in Vermont. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jay Bellows, president of KORE Power, discusses his journey from Johnson State to telecom services in Boston to battery storage solutions in Vermont. First, he reflects on how his passion for Vermont’s outdoors and frustration with city life drew him back to the state. Jay then explains the importance of energy storage for grid reliability, especially as the world transitions toward renewable energy and electric vehicles. He also touches on the partnership with Green Mountain Power and the company’s future plans, including a gigafactory in Arizona. Jay’s journey will encourage you to #starthere in beautiful Vermont. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeff’s journey began by printing T-shirts, and now, his company works with household brands like Dunkin’, Saucony, and Pepsico. Jeff is the co-founder of Select Design, a creative agency that conquers brand chaos. At just 22, he and his co-founder Kevin were hustling to sell apparel, relying on every connection they could make. His story is about having people in your corner that root for you, and how Vermont is the perfect place to find it. This is the perfect listen for someone wanting to start a business in VT but doesn’t know where to start. Jeff’s story will encourage you to #starthere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Fagnant, a powerhouse in marketing and leadership. From her days working with the Red Sox to becoming a partner at KSV, Erin’s journey is packed with insight. She shares the unfiltered truth about what it takes to run and sustain a thriving agency through both the highs and the lows. Erin’s story of resilience and grit will leave you inspired. Whether you’re passionate about marketing, focused on keeping your business strong, or curious about the inner workings of a nearly 50-year-old company, this conversation is for you. Tune in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know Patrick Leahy for his 48-year run in the U.S. Senate, but there is so much more to love about Vermont’s most influential and beloved leader. He’s a changemaker, bridge builder, family man, and bipartisan hero, but it all began with a boyhood in Montpelier. Join us for this extra special episode and learn about how the Senator was able to connect with his constituents on a deeply personal level, making a huge impact in Vermont and nationally. Oh and trust us, you don’t want to miss his story about former President Barack Obama singing him “Happy Birthday”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One thing most businesses don’t think to do is intentionally lower their price. For Alejandro Bergad of Sunsoil, it was a no-brainer. Join us for this month's episode of Start Here, where Alejandro discusses the CBD industry, his experiences with the compound, and his combination of hard work and luck that led to Sunsoil. With a commitment to affordability and keeping a grassroots core, Sunsoil has made a name for itself in the CBD industry for never sacrificing its quality while maintaining an affordable price. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Dunne, the king of rural innovation, joins the podcast to inspire us all. His deep roots in Vermont are intertwined with the community that shaped him. From being elected to the legislature at 22, to convincing Google to open an office in White River Junction, to founding the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), Matt's ability to build community is remarkable. This podcast is essentially a crash course on how to create a thriving community anywhere. We’re big fans, can you tell? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who knew being a chef in New York City would inspire Ashley to start a luxury home goods business! Founder of DandyLion Designs, Ashley Farland, joins us to share her exciting journey into the realm of luxury goods, but with a unique twist – her creations are crafted from deadstock materials. With a commitment to premium materials and sustainability, DandyLion Designs is taking luxury to the next level. Did we mention it’s a fraction of the price? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Brophy Tyree, co-founder of Wasted*, on a journey through the “wild world of circular sanitation.” The Vermont startup is using the power of storytelling to sell its product that’s based on a taboo subject: human waste. Whether you are trying to run a company that is not the most aesthetically pleasing, or simply curious about how this company reached success, this is the podcast for you. We promise your time won’t be Wasted*. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sat down with Dr. Grayson Zulauf, CEO of Resonant Link, creators of the world’s smallest and fastest wireless chargers. This episode is a candid conversation about what it takes to start and scale a company that crosses multiple industries, revolutionizing how some of the world’s most important technologies power up. Grayson covers the reality of fundraising, the importance of your team, and the advantages of being based in Vermont. Whether you’re starting or scaling your company, this episode offers a quick dose of invaluable advice to help fuel your journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we sat down with Paula Routly, co-founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of the legendary Seven Days. This ex-ballerina, Middlebury College alumna, and beloved Vermonter has done it all. Tune in for Paula’s compelling career advice for young writers, thoughts on succession planning, and invaluable insights on how she has kept local journalism alive and well for nearly 30 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the result of a veggie farmer and an engineer falling in love? A robotics company in Williston, Vermont. Diane and Colin co-founded Rigorous in 2020 in an old warehouse. What makes Rigorous special is their ability to make robotics simple. So sit back, relax, and learn about how this young company is changing the industrial automation industry. A great listen if you’re thinking of starting a company with your significant other or even a friend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Sara Byers, President of Leonardo’s Pizza and beloved advocate for businesses across Vermont. In this episode, witness the incredible power of pizza in uniting a community for over three decades. In her own words, Sara thrives on the challenge of 'connecting the dots,' be it deciphering new consumer trends or scaling into new geographies, all while navigating volatile market dynamics. Leonardo’s ability to stand the test of time is a testament to Sara's expertise in empowering those around her, helping them become the best version of themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Shaneall Ferron, a serial entrepreneur from Jamaica who made her mark in Vermont just three years ago. Impressive isn't the word—she's not only established one, not two, but three flourishing businesses from homecare, to travel, to food industries. Join us on this episode of Start Here to uncover Shaneall's secrets to managing it all. And here's the kicker—aside from running these ventures, she has a full-time job and is a mom! A great morning listen to motivate you for the day! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The BIPOC community is the fastest-growing demographic in the state, with a 112% increase over the last decade. Tino and Weiwei are actively working to build generational wealth for BIPOC-identifying individuals, but their approach is not financial—it's social. They are opening doors, sharing resources, and nurturing a network that will leave a lasting impact on the BIPOC community for generations to come. Today, we introduce Tino and Weiwei, the Co-Executive Directors of the Vermont Professionals of Color Network. It wouldn't be a stretch to call them motivational speakers, this episode left us moved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From cow to consumer, Boyden Farm does it all. Farmer/CEO, Mark Boyden, takes us through his entrepreneurial approach running the fifth-generation farm. Boyden Farm does everything from feeding their cattle with Boyden crops to selling their grass-fed beef at local stores and restaurants. Whether you want to grill at home or enjoy a night out at the Burger Barn, Boyden beef will not disappoint. By the end of this, you'll crave a burger just like we did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.