Podcasts: The Western Mass. Business Show
The Western Mass. Business Show
Entrepreneurs undertake risk and responsibility, in order to solve problems, contribute their passions and talents to society, and make the world go round. Our success and survival depends on them, and they depend on you. Hear their stories, perspectives, and inspirations every week, as they reveal themselves in a conversation with Tara Brewster. Saturdays at 11AM and Sundays at 2PM on The Western Mass Business Show.
Western Mass Business Show on 3.16.24 — Andre Boulay from A2Z
Join us as we welcome Andre Boulay to the show. Many know him from his A2Z fame while others may know him as a Yo-Yo champion. Growing up in the Hilltowns of the 413, Andre always saw Northampton as the place to be. It led him to the store and to Jack and Priscilla Finn who started the store many years before it moved to King Street in Thornes Market. There he and his wife Dev realized that their passion could become a reality and they purchased the store from the Finn’s. Now 2 businesses yoyoexpert.com and
a2zscience.com they are going strong. Pierce and Ella (their 2 kids) are the envy of other children I’m sure but the Boulays make sure to keep community in their focus as they give back to many nonprofits and school PTO fundraisers. Thank you for coming on Andre, we missed you Dev.
Western Mass Business Show on 3.2.24 — Adam Duso and Jill Fishman and Adrian
SWC specializes in transaction-based reorganizations for underperforming and over leveraged businesses that allow them to avoid bankruptcy, eliminate unsupported debt, preserve business value, increase recovery to creditors, and preserve jobs within the local community of the business. Well thanks for doing this, Adam Duso but how do you do it? Tune into find out more and as a bonus for listening you’ll get the first drop on the new restaurant coming to Turners Falls in the spring/summer, Dreamhouse. Jill Fishman tells us about her restaurant saga and why she and her partner Adrian are opening their dream in TF. Thanks for listening folks!
Western Mass Business Show on 2.17.24 — Keith Fairey, CEO and President of Wayfinders
It was an honor to talk to Keith Fairey about housing, poverty, privilege, discrimination, and more. His many years in the field of housing and poverty has given him a good grip on how to address the challenges that exist and it comes down to collaboration and truth. Housing has finally become an above the fold issue for many and the public will has shifted to want to do more about this problem. If we work on housing people first we can then work on other issues that they face. Join us to learn more about Keith, Wayfinders, and housing issues in the 413 and beyond.
Western Mass Business Show on 2.10.24 — Dee Dice and Kasey Corsello
Dee Dice and Kasey Corsello are two consultants who have individual practices and who have discovered that teaming up often produces better results. They are both entrepreneurs and have an impressive track record in facilitation and coaching. Join us to listen to why you should hire someone (them) to help you through the stuck parts of yourself and your business. How shifting your mindset can unlock the why in what you do to bring you joy and success.
Western Mass Business Show on 1.27.24 — Meghan Lynch from Six-Point Creative
Meghan Lynch from Six-Point Creative has been in the business of helping family businesses for over 20 years. SPC focuses on generational businesses and their brand strategy, asking the question: how do we honor the past and evolve to stay relevant for the future? Head to their website (www.sixpointcreative.com) to take the quiz on where you need to go and what you need to focus on. Meghan has a hard time with the kind of “hustle culture” that is all about spinning up companies and selling them without a lot of thought or care about how they will sustain. It is connected to a bigger question of stewardship and sustainability for her. If you are a small business owner especially if you are in a family business, then this episode is for you. Join us to learn more.
Western Mass Business Show 1.13.24 — Alexis Breiteneicher, Sarah Sargent, and Eyad Salha
Want to know more about the Valley Community Development Corporation? Well listen in to hear all about how Alexis Breiteneicher, Sarah Sargent, and Eyad Salha are making a difference here in the 413. From affordable housing to homeownership to business consulting to workshops this non-profit is making a difference here for so many. Tune in to learn about their free services and why you should support their efforts here to create more opportunities for people to thrive in homes that provide not only shelter but a sense of community and pride. Thank you VCDC for all the hard work you do to assist with the housing crisis that we are currently facing.
Western Mass Business Show on 1.6.24 — Michelle Abdow
Join us as we speak to Michelle Abdow about going from a career in media to building a nationally recognized full-service marketing firm. She was pushed to entrepreneurship after her twins were born and hasn’t looked back in 20+ years. While she won’t tell us her favorite campaign that she has done, she always has the box of tissues ready for those Proctor and Gamble commercials during the Olympics. Learn more about how she has been tugging on heart strings for her clients all over the world as the founder of Market Mentors in West Springfield. Thank you, Michelle. Happy New Years listeners.
Western Mass Business Show on 12.30.23 — Aimee Salmon of Positively Africana
Allow me to introduce Aimee Salmon. She has a harrowing immigrant story that shines of commitment and grace. Join us as we learn about her beginnings in the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo), the volcano, Rwanda, Massachusetts, and her many successes here as she walks her path in life. If you need a place to feel joy, visit her at Positively Africana on the 2nd floor of Thornes Market in Northampton. Although I am partial to that building, it’s worth the trip. Happy New Year everyone.
Western Mass Business Show on 12.23.23 — Kalpana Devi and Manou Africa
Join us as we speak to Kalpana Devi and Manou Africa about creating music to change social order. Through their band ReBelle Worldwide which had roots stemming from Senegal, West Africa with Manou growing up in a musical family/community. Black Rebels began in the late 80’s early 90’s and created the foundation for Manou to have success across the ocean especially upon meeting Kalpana and starting what is now an over 30 year relationship between them. Kalpana brought dance, composing, and creation to the mix upon meeting Manou and ReBelle Worldwide was born. Thought their Love for Humanity concerts they have integrated their belief that enough is enough: racism, sexism, poverty, war, classism. Please visit www.rebelleworldwide.com to learn more about this amazing family of musicians. Between them they have 6 children, including Naia Kete and Imani Elijah who are well known locally to the WMA region.
