It’s Freitag! - Business and Life in the Monadnock Region

17 - Steve Fortier

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Steve Fortier, Administrator of Rural Economic Development at NH’s Department of Business and Economic Affairs, to talk about collaboration over competition, workforce challenges, and the future of local economies. From his path through nonprofit leadership to supporting manufacturers in Keene, Steve shares practical insights on building stronger, more connected rural communities.

16 - Mark DiPietro

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Mark DiPietro, Vice President of Marketing at Franklin Pierce University, to talk about the changing world of higher ed marketing—and how colleges can cut through the noise. From his transition from journalism to PR to university leadership, to the return of direct mail and building brand around what makes Franklin Pierce unique, Mark shares thoughtful insights on leading with strategy in a competitive space.

15 - Gina Burke

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Gina Burke, Executive Director of Monadnock DEIB Coalition, to talk about courageous leadership, rebuilding trust, and the challenges facing DEIB work today. From her shift from tech to community impact, to data-driven insights and partnerships with groups like Keene Pride, Gina shares an inspiring look at what it takes to lead with purpose.

14 - Talentshare - featuring Tim Pipp

In Episode 14 of It’s Freitag, host Jan Ziegler welcomes back Tim Pipp to talk about Talentshare—a new tool he and Jan co-created to help small business owners delegate with ease. They dive into real use cases, the power of a call-in task system, and why no one should try to do it all alone. Packed with practical insights and honest conversation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lighten their workload.

13 - Jeff Whitcomb

In this episode, host Jan Ziegler talks with Jeff Whitcomb, President of Communicators Group, about the evolution of marketing and the power of creativity. Jeff shares his journey from copywriting to leading teams, reflects on his time at Eastern Mountain Sports, and explores why human insight still matters in a world shaped by AI. A must-listen for anyone interested in branding, career growth, and how marketing continues to evolve.

12 - Aubrey Saxton

In Episode 12 of It’s Freitag, host Jan Ziegler talks with Aubrey Saxton, founder of Saxy Chef, about how a spontaneous moment at a local farm stand turned into a thriving pie business. Aubrey shares her journey from seasonal baking to leading a small team that now produces over 40,000 pies a year. She dives into the realities of scaling a food business, learning to price sustainably, saying no to big chains, and launching a frozen pie line to expand nationwide—all while staying true to her roots in Keene, New Hampshire. Whether you're into entrepreneurship, local business, or just appreciate a great story, this episode is full of honest insights and inspiration.

11 - Mark Bodin

It’s Freitag is a podcast hosted by Jan Ziegler that dives into work, growth, and making the most of our weekends. In Episode 11, Jan sits down with Mark Bodin, President of Savings Bank of Walpole, to explore what it means to lead a community-first bank in a rapidly changing world. From putting relationships before profits to navigating tech disruption with purpose, this episode offers powerful insights for anyone interested in conscious leadership and local impact. New episodes every Friday—because great ideas deserve a great start to the weekend.

10 - Ted McGreer

In this episode of It’s Freitag, Jan sits down with Keene legend Ted McGreer, owner of Ted’s Shoe & Sport, to celebrate 25 years of local business, community, and a whole lot of hustle. Ted reflects on his journey from ski bum to small business owner, sharing the ups, downs, and everything in between—from six bank rejections to building one of the city’s most beloved spots.

09 - Julie Schoelzel

In this episode of It’s Freitag, Jan and Julie sit down to catch up on all things life, art, and community. Julie shares updates on recent visitors, reflects on the importance of showing up for others, and celebrates a big milestone—her recent promotion to President and CEO of the GMS. As always, their easygoing banter and honest insights bring warmth, laughter, and a refreshing sense of connection.

08 - Keith Marks

In this episode of It's Freitag, the guest is Keith Marks, a passionate advocate for arts and culture. Keith shares his journey in the creative world, discussing how he built platforms to amplify artistic voices and foster community engagement. He talks about the importance of accessibility in the arts, the challenges and rewards of curating cultural experiences, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in connecting people. The conversation also touches on his personal motivations, lessons learned, and what’s next for him in his mission to make art more inclusive and impactful.