Start Here artwork

Start Here

158 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★ - 38 ratings

Featuring Vermont’s most influential business leaders, Start Here bridges the gap between entertainment and inspiration by presenting the unfiltered stories of today’s top innovators. Everybody starts somewhere - why not Start Here?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

Matt Dunne / CORI

June 13, 2024 13:55 - 57 minutes - 65.7 MB

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 o...

Ashley Farland / DandyLion Designs

May 09, 2024 14:00 - 42 minutes - 48.4 MB

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 ...

Brophy Tyree / Wasted*

April 11, 2024 14:58 - 44 minutes - 51.4 MB

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.

Grayson Zulauf

March 14, 2024 14:00 - 38 minutes - 43.7 MB

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 epi...

Grayson Zulauf / Resonant Link

March 14, 2024 14:00 - 38 minutes - 43.7 MB

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 epi...

Paula Routly / Seven Days

February 15, 2024 15:27 - 59 minutes - 67.7 MB

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.

Diane & Colin / Rigorous

January 11, 2024 15:00 - 46 minutes - 52.8 MB

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 ...

Sara Byers / Leonardo's Pizza

December 14, 2023 15:01 - 35 minutes - 40.5 MB

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 tho...

Shaneall Ferron / Windsor Homecare

November 30, 2023 13:00 - 49 minutes - 57 MB

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...

Tino & Weiwei / VT PoC

November 09, 2023 14:28 - 47 minutes - 54.4 MB

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 Profes...

Mark Boyden / Boyden Farm

October 19, 2023 14:31 - 42 minutes - 48.2 MB

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/privac...

Carina Hamel / Bivo

October 03, 2023 19:14 - 42 minutes - 48.6 MB

After many years of ski racing and cycling, Carina Hamel and her husband and co-founder, Robby Ringer, were done drinking from moldy, plastic water bottles. They set out to revolutionize the water bottle, and Bivo was born. An innovative metal cycling bottle with a high-flow nozzle, Bivo makes it efficient, easy, and fun to stay hydrated on your ride. In this episode, Carina shares her story of how an active lifestyle and a career in the shoe business drove her to solve the problem that nobo...

Ellen Kahler / Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

September 21, 2023 15:06 - 46 minutes - 53.5 MB

From directing the Peace and Justice Center to directing VSJF, Ellen Kahler has been a leader in advocating for human well-being to be at the center of Vermont's economic model. Hear about how she is breaking boundaries and supporting Vermont employees/employers. Not to mention, this episode is PACKED with resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Abby Portman / Poppy Cafe

September 05, 2023 14:45 - 39 minutes - 45.3 MB

Poppy Cafe is not your ordinary sandwich shop. What started as a COVID-era pop-up on Abby Portman’s front porch in the Old North End, has taken Burlington by storm. Poppy pushes the boundary of what a sandwich can be, creating combos that you’ve definitely never had before, but will definitely blow your mind. Grab yourself a Poppy sammy and give it a listen, you won’t regret it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Dolginow / Shacksbury Cider

August 17, 2023 14:15 - 47 minutes - 53.9 MB

From Vermont roots to cider success! Meet David, the dad of three and co-founder of Shacksbury Cider. After graduating from Middlebury in 2009, David teamed up with Colin Davis to create the Vergennes-based cidery that makes dry, easy-to-drink beverages. Their journey started with a handshake over beers and now, 10 years later, Shacksbury is thriving and about to launch a new Sweater Weather cider this fall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Babic / Katie Babic Designs

August 03, 2023 13:43 - 44 minutes - 50.7 MB

Katie Babic, a self-taught artist from Berry, VT, transitioned from being a school counselor to a tree ring artist in 2020. After creating hand-carved gifts for local students, Babic rediscovered her passion for art and repurposed her dining room into a personal office. Now, Katie Babic Designs sells one-of-a-kind Vermont prints to a variety of local institutions and clients throughout the United States. In this episode, Katie describes the creative process of “pulling,” how she’s balanced mo...

Lindsay DesLauriers / Bolton Valley

July 27, 2023 13:13 - 49 minutes - 56.8 MB

In this episode, we sit down with Lindsay DesLauriers, president of Bolton Valley, a multigenerational ski community in Richmond, Vermont. Lindsay shares her personal connection to the resort and her father's original vision of crafting a working-class ski area. She also discusses her own mission of revitalization since taking over in 2018. Join us as we get a behind-the-scenes look at the year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and event-goers alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...

Christian Cobaugh / Vernal Biosciences

July 06, 2023 14:10 - 45 minutes - 52.2 MB

In this episode, we are joined by Christian Cobaugh, the founder and CEO of Vernal Biosciences, a groundbreaking mRNA production company located in Colchester. With Vernal recently securing an impressive $20 million capital raise, Cobaugh shares the company's remarkable achievements and their unique features. Cobaugh delves into the importance of moving swiftly and outlines an ambitious vision for the future of Vernal Biosciences.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Murray / Widewail

June 15, 2023 14:04 - 45 minutes - 52.6 MB

From an Xbox handle to a cutting-edge trust-marketing platform, the word “Widewail” has played a pivotal role in shaping Matt Murray's journey. Hear Matt's inspiring story as he shares how his visionary company is revolutionizing the landscape of customer reviews, creating a new era of impactful feedback. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jasmine & Ryan Farrell / Zestbloom

February 07, 2023 15:44 - 48 minutes - 55.2 MB

Today we sit down with Jasmine and Ryan Farrell, the Morrisville-based husband/wife team behind Zestbloom, one of Vermont’s most exciting Web3 startups. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jed Kalkstein / GPMS International

December 05, 2022 16:37 - 44 minutes - 50.6 MB

Today we sit down with Jed Kalkstein, President and CFO of VCET portfolio company GPMS International whose hardware and software keeps high value aircraft and industrial engines operating safely and reliably. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Farber / LaunchSquad

October 31, 2022 17:55 - 45 minutes - 52.1 MB

There is a special breed of part time Vermonters that give first, paying it forward to make our state a better place. One of those people is entrepreneur and lifelong storyteller Mike Farber. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tyler Sullivan / Bomb Tech Golf

October 05, 2022 19:02 - 45 minutes - 52.2 MB

Today we sit down with Tyler “Sully” Sullivan, an athlete turned entrepreneur that is single handedly changing the golf industry...one club at a time. https://www.sullytyler.com/ https://www.ecomgrowers.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Daley / GBI

August 26, 2022 17:55 - 36 minutes - 42 MB

Today we sit down with Alex Daley, serial entrepreneur, investor, fintech enthusiast, and self-proclaimed nerd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Bradbury / VCET

June 30, 2022 19:26 - 44 minutes - 51 MB

It’s what you’ve all been waiting for. Today, Sam interviews surfer, snowboarder, self-proclaimed recovering entrepreneur, VCET President, and Start Here co-host Dave Bradbury. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dani Giandomenico / IXIS

June 21, 2022 17:01 - 43 minutes - 49.4 MB

Today we sit down with Dani Giandomenico, founder of IXIS, a rapidly scaling company dedicated to helping clients revolutionize their relationships with their data. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Miller / Vermont Comedy Club

May 18, 2022 15:48 - 37 minutes - 566 MB

Today we sit down with Natalie Miller, voice talent, actress, singer, comedian, and co-owner of Vermont Comedy Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start Here Ep. 65: Hannah Wood / Talent Skatepark

March 02, 2022 18:53 - 46 minutes - 53 MB

Today we sit down with Vermont legend Hannah Wood, founder of the beloved Talent Skatepark. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hannah Wood / Talent Skatepark

March 02, 2022 18:53 - 46 minutes - 53 MB

Today we sit down with Vermont legend Hannah Wood, founder of the beloved Talent Skatepark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jon Tota / Syntax + Motion

February 01, 2022 16:55 - 42 minutes - 48.3 MB

Today is a special day. We get to put serial entrepreneur and fellow podcaster Jon Tota in the hot seat to talk eLearning, SaaS, and so much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start Here Ep. 64: Jon Tota / Syntax + Motion

February 01, 2022 16:55 - 42 minutes - 48.3 MB

Today is a special day. We get to put serial entrepreneur and fellow podcaster Jon Tota in the hot seat to talk eLearning, SaaS, and so much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Thomas Dickerson / Geopipe

January 19, 2022 20:34 - 42 minutes - 49 MB

Today, we sit down with Thomas Dickerson, co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Geopipe, a company that creates immersive digital twins and rich 3D data about real cities, right here in Vermont. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start Here Ep. 63: Thomas Dickerson / Geopipe

January 19, 2022 20:34 - 42 minutes - 49 MB

Today, we sit down with Thomas Dickerson, co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Geopipe, a company that creates immersive digital twins and rich 3D data about real cities, right here in Vermont. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Paul Millman / Chroma Technology

September 21, 2021 16:22 - 1 hour - 69.1 MB

Today we sit down with co-founder of employee owned Chroma Technology in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Chroma is a leading manufacturer of specialized optical filters, coatings, and mirrors, and leading firms in life sciences, agriculture, security, and aerospace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start Here Ep. 62: Paul Millman / Chroma Technology

September 21, 2021 16:22 - 1 hour - 69.1 MB

Today we sit down with co-founder of employee owned Chroma Technology in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Chroma is a leading manufacturer of specialized optical filters, coatings, and mirrors, and leading firms in life sciences, agriculture, security, and aerospace. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Start Here Ep. 61: Nora Ganley-Roper / Lost Lantern Whiskey

September 01, 2021 18:17 - 36 minutes - 41.4 MB

Today we sit down with Nora Ganley-Roper, co-founder of Lost Lantern Whiskey, who turned a dream road trip into a truly unique and forward thinking business. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nora Ganley-Roper / Lost Lantern Whiskey

September 01, 2021 18:17 - 36 minutes - 41.4 MB

Today we sit down with Nora Ganley-Roper, co-founder of Lost Lantern Whiskey, who turned a dream road trip into a truly unique and forward thinking business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Ralston / Vermont Coffee Company

July 26, 2021 15:32 - 46 minutes - 53.1 MB

Today we sit down with Vermonter, Paul Ralston, who after the sale of his beloved Vermont Coffee Company is by no means ready to wrap up his tenure as an entrepreneur. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start Here Ep. 60: Paul Ralston / Vermont Coffee Company

July 26, 2021 15:32 - 46 minutes - 53.1 MB

Today we sit down with Vermonter, Paul Ralston, who after the sale of his beloved Vermont Coffee Company is by no means ready to wrap up his tenure as an entrepreneur. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jeff Frolik / Packetized Energy

July 12, 2021 17:39 - 43 minutes - 49.7 MB

Today we sit down with Jeff Frolik, Co-Founder of Packetized Energy, a company making electricity flexible so distributed energy can be clean, affordable, and easy to use. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start Here Ep. 59: Jeff Frolik / Packetized Energy

July 12, 2021 17:39 - 43 minutes - 49.7 MB

Today we sit down with Jeff Frolik, Co-Founder of Packetized Energy, a company making electricity flexible so distributed energy can be clean, affordable, and easy to use. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Peggy Farabaugh / Vermont Woods Studios

June 14, 2021 14:07 - 42 minutes - 49.1 MB

Today we sit down with Peggy Farabaugh, founder of Vermont Woods Studios, a hand-crafted wood furniture company passionate about preserving wildlife habitat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start Here Ep. 58: Peggy Farabaugh / Vermont Woods Studios

June 14, 2021 14:07 - 42 minutes - 49.1 MB

Today we sit down with Peggy Farabaugh, founder of Vermont Woods Studios, a hand-crafted wood furniture company passionate about preserving wildlife habitat. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Start Here Ep. 58: Peggy Farabaugh / Vermont Woods Stuidos

June 14, 2021 14:07 - 42 minutes - 49.1 MB

Today we sit down with Peggy Farabaugh, founder of Vermont Woods Studios, a hand-crafted wood furniture company passionate about preserving wildlife habitat. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Start Here Ep. 57: Eric Sorkin / Runamok Maple

June 08, 2021 13:21 - 41 minutes - 47 MB

Today, we sit down with Eric Sorkin, Co-owner and CEO of Runamok Maple, the company that has taken Vermont’s most beloved export in limitless new directions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eric Sorkin / Runamok Maple

June 08, 2021 13:21 - 41 minutes - 47 MB

Today, we sit down with Eric Sorkin, Co-owner and CEO of Runamok Maple, the company that has taken Vermont’s most beloved export in limitless new directions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start Here Ep. 56: Andy Rossmeissl / Faraday

May 06, 2021 13:48 - 36 minutes - 42.3 MB

Today, we sit down with Andy Rossmeissl, co-founder of VCET portfolio company, Faraday, a pioneer in AI based consumer behavior solutions for Direct to Consumer businesses. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Andy Rossmeissl / Faraday

May 06, 2021 13:48 - 36 minutes - 42.3 MB

Today, we sit down with Andy Rossmeissl, co-founder of VCET portfolio company, Faraday, a pioneer in AI based consumer behavior solutions for Direct to Consumer businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start Here Ep. 55: Cyrus Schenck / Renoun

April 01, 2021 15:56 - 50 minutes - 57.7 MB

Today Sam sits down with friend of VCET Cyrus Schenck, founder and CEO of Renoun, the best all mountain and powder skis on planet earth. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cyrus Schenck / Renoun

April 01, 2021 15:56 - 50 minutes - 57.7 MB

Today Sam sits down with friend of VCET Cyrus Schenck, founder and CEO of Renoun, the best all mountain and powder skis on planet earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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