Listen Fast Listen First delivers real time authentic stories told by successful Connecticut business owners and community leaders. You'll hear pivotal moments of risk taking, failure, adaptability & resilience, that lead to success. A special thanks to our sponsors: ☆ BRBG Insurance ☆ Infinite Web Designs ☆ The Charlie Pappas
In this week's episode, Linda Kavanagh talks to us about her business: MaxEx Public Relations. Linda tells us how she found her way to open her own PR and marketing business. Her path began when she first got a taste for the hospitality industry when working at a restaurant in college. She never wanted to leave the restaurant industry behind, but she realized she didn't want to work in a restaurant for her whole life. Linda teaches us about how she dealt with burnout, which is so common in the restaurant industry. She also speaks on the mentors who helped her to start her business and how far MaxEx PR has grown and evolved over the years. If you're interested in learning more about the public relations and digital marketing industry, this episode should be very fascinating.
In this week's episode, Neil Holme tells us about everything IT. Neil is the owner and CEO of Impact Business Technology, an IT company located in Sandy Hook, CT. He tells us about how he began his business and some of the difficulties he has faced along the way. Neil also talks about the services his business provides and how he helps small businesses to keep their data protected.
Helen McAlinden is this week's guest. Helen is the CEO and President of Homes with Hope, a nonprofit located in Westport, CT. Their mission is to end homelessness in Fairfield County. Helen tells us how she got into the nonprofit world and found her passion for helping homeless people. She also teaches us about Homes with Hope and how they benefit the community and are making a real impact. Homes with Hope has grown since it opened its doors in 1984 to provide emergency shelter, housing, a community kitchen, food pantry, youth development programs, and mentoring for those that need it. If you're looking for a place to volunteer or to donate, Homes with Hope is a great organization.
This week's guest, Vince Santilli, talks to us about what it's like being CEO and Executive Director of Homes for the Brave here in Bridgeport, CT. You'll learn about the three programs Homes for the Brave has that help their veterans to find a home and a job. Everything this organization does is to serve its mission and help our veterans to get back on their feet. Nonprofits are only able to run with the support and contribution of their community. At the end of this episode, Vince shares some upcoming fundraisers that you should definitely check out if you're interested. Vince gives us a look into the nonprofit world and what it's all about: helping others. If you're ever interested in giving back to your community, Homes for the Brave is a great organization and they would love your support.
In this week's episode, Angela walks us through the life of owning her own restaurant, Walrus Alley. She had an especially hard year because of Covid-19 and talks to us about the changes she had to make to keep her restaurant up and running. There are many more challenges that come with the job and Angela talks us through a lot of these. She also gives some insight into the behind-the-scenes marketing that is essential to her business. Angela takes us through the thought process of managing her social media so it can be as effective as possible.
In this episode, Jeff talks to us about what it's like running Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut. He wasn't always in the nonprofit space and gives the listeners some great advice on how to make the transition from the corporate world. There are many challenges with running a nonprofit, as you could imagine. Especially this past year with Covid-19 it was harder than most. Jeff speaks on how he dealt with these challenges, giving more amazing advice to his listeners. Make sure to listen to Jeff's episode if you're interested in Goodwill or just the nonprofit space. You'll definitely get a lot of valuable knowledge that you might even be able to apply to your own life.
Kelly tells us all about real estate, covering everything from the impact of the pandemic on the housing market, to the increasing demand for leases in Fairfield County. She also speaks on what trends she's been seeing with her buyers. A lot of New Yorkers are moving to the area, and many current residents are moving to larger houses. Kelly then goes on to explain why she's seeing these trends, giving us the inside scoop. If you're interested in real estate and the current, crazy state of the housing market, Kelly shares a lot of her knowledge.
Jim shares with us how Covid-19 impacted his business and pushed him to bring his business online. He gives some insight into how to make this big switch and how it's helped his business. Having a great website saved his small business by allowing him to still make sales even with his storefront location closed. Social media has also helped with his digital marketing efforts and getting the word out about his business. If you are a small business owner hoping to transition over to using technology for your business, Jim gives a lot of insight into how to do this and the challenges that come with it.
This week's episode features Amy DeLardi, the CEO and owner of Infinite Web Designs. IWD is a web design and marketing agency located in Fairfield, CT. In her 20 years of business, she has launched over 500 websites as well as managing social media campaigns, and pretty much everything marketing and design-related. In this interview she touches on why she started her business, what's it like to run her own business, the importance of SEO, how businesses can improve on their social media presence, and so much more. If you are a small business owner or hoping to start your own, Amy gives some insight into the challenging and ever-changing business world. Thanks for Listening!
This week's guest is Pastor Richard Williams, the Executive Director of Pivot House, located in Bridgeport, CT. The mission of Pivot House is to help treat those who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Pastor Williams has a strong connection to this organization because he was once enrolled as a resident for his own addictions to cocaine and alcohol. Pastor Williams shares this story of how he over came his addictions and is now helping those who are in similar situations. He also talks about his role at Pivot House and some of the challenges he has faced as Executive Director. Thanks for Listening!