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

In this episode of It’s Freitag, Jan Ziegler sits down with Emily Benson, Head of Employee Success at Bensonwood. They discuss Emily's journey growing up in her family’s construction business, the innovative apprenticeships she's creating to solve local workforce challenges, and her vision for the future of Keene. Tune in for valuable insights on workforce development, community leadership, and the importance of housing and downtown vitality.

In this episode of It’s Freitag, Jan Ziegler sits down with Todd Horner, Executive Director at the Southwest Region Planning Commission. They discuss Todd's journey from farming to leading regional planning, tackling challenges like affordable housing, transportation, and climate resilience across the Monadnock Region. Tune in for valuable insights on community planning and the future of small towns.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Andy DeMeo, creator of Granite Goodness, to explore how optimism and progress-driven storytelling can reshape the way we see the world. Andy shares what inspired him to push back against the negativity bias in traditional media, the overlooked stories of progress in areas like health, equality, and sustainability, and how he’s applying this “progress journalism” lens to highlight innovation and collaboration across New England communities. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about media, community impact, and building a movement around positive storytelling.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Collin and Tim Hart of Hart Brothers Tree Service to discuss their journey from wildland firefighters to business owners. They share how their experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail and fighting fires gave them the confidence to start a tree service, the importance of community trust in their growth, and how they balance equipment investments with maintaining a strong focus on quality and honesty. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, family collaboration, and the great outdoors.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with A.J. Kierstead, communications professional and outreach coordinator for the New Hampshire Insurance Department, to discuss balancing a career in public service with media, creative ambitions, and family life. A.J. shares his journey of navigating the evolving landscape of podcasting and media in New Hampshire, while also making time to stay connected to his community and find joy in his work.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Alana Fiero—Freitag Marketing team member and President of the Keene Young Professionals Network—to discuss building community, creating opportunities for young talent, and growing KYPN into a hub for leadership and local impact. Alana also shares her journey from corporate philanthropy to founding Taste of Keene during the pandemic.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Jay Hayston—nonprofit changemaker, data-driven strategist, and CEO of Cedarcrest—to explore how compassionate leadership, bold decisions, and innovative care models are reshaping what’s possible for medically complex children and the teams who support them.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler chats with Barb Weisman—food equity advocate, endurance athlete, and Executive Director of the Community Kitchen—to explore how mission-driven leadership and creative collaboration can turn mobile pantries into future food trucks and tackle systemic hunger, all powered by personal passion and community roots.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler chats with Charles Oropallo—Marine Corps veteran, early internet pioneer, and founder of CharlesWorks—to explore how local trust can drive long-term success in a global industry. From building one of the first dial-up BBS systems in the 70s to running a transparent, community-rooted web business, Charles shares stories, lessons, and the value of aesthetics in a digital world.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Jeff Saari, a leadership coach and “business therapist” based in Keene, NH, to talk about burnout, authentic leadership, and building healthier companies from the inside out. From his early journey through depression and meditation retreats to becoming a trusted advisor for business owners and teams, Jeff shares powerful insights on workplace culture, coaching that actually works, and why knowing your strengths can change everything.