Frederick Factor: Recent Episodes
Sandy Dubay
Everyone who’s lived in, worked in, or visited Frederick, Maryland knows there’s just something… special… about this place. Frederick is known for its economic potential, quality of life, charm, and prime location outside of Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Like many communities around the USA, Frederick is working to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Our goal with this podcast is to be a part of that conversation. In the Frederick Factor Podcast, you’ll hear from Frederick’s underrepresented business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. They’ll share their personal stories and career journeys and what makes Frederick so special to them. Tune in to get inspired and be a part of this conversation with us!
Show Summary
In our final episode of Season 12, we meet Audi Nadi, the owner of Frederick Social (which also happens to be host Ashleigh Kiggans’ favorite place in Frederick)! Ever since Frederick Social opened in December of 2021, it’s become a popular place to connect, socialize, network, and enjoy the wide variety of taps, nonalcoholic beverages, delicious food, and 5,000+ feet of space. The technology inside the taphouse provides a unique experience not found in regular bars or restaurants. Tune in to hear Audi’s story of starting her first business in Frederick and how Frederick Social has become a go-to location for everyone from nonprofits to business organizations to chess players to families and friends.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- How Frederick became Audi and her family's forever home after residing in multiple states, including California, Colorado, New York, and others.
- The vision behind creating Frederick Social: Frederick's first self-pour taphouse and eatery
- The challenges they encountered while securing a space for their building amidst the pandemic.
- How Frederick Social utilizes technology to curate a distinct and unparalleled experience, setting it apart from traditional restaurants and bars
- The incredible support available to new business owners in Frederick through various organizations, programs, individuals, and the community at large
- The many ways that Frederick Social creates a space for the community to connect
- What the "Charity Tap" is, and how it supports nonprofits
- Audi’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio
For over 20+ years, Audi Nagi has been helping businesses to design and operate their spaces to be more sustainable by applying high-performance building standards to new construction and renovation spaces. Now she has applied her expertise in a new venture as the owner of downtown Frederick's first self-pour taphouse and eatery, successfully integrating technology and sustainability in an innovative taphouse and eatery.
Show Links:
Frederick Social: https://www.frederick-social.com/
50 Citizens Way
Frederick, MD 21701
(240) 629-8525
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederick.social/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fredericksocialcafe
Maryland Business Women’s Center
https://marylandwbc.org/
Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor here:
www.platinumpr.com
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
In this episode, we meet Hannah King, the owner of Squadstyle Work & Wellness, Frederick's first coworking space to prioritize personal development and make work-life balance accessible and convenient. With a semi-private gym, coworking space, wellness room, and outdoor area, Squadstyle invites remote workers, health enthusiasts, and personal trainers to explore their own definition of health and wellness. Originally from Germany, Hannah shares the inspiration behind starting Squadstyle -- from her wellness journey to coming up with the idea for a work and wellness space in Frederick. Through the rollercoaster of emotions of starting the business, Hannah shares how she’s received nothing but love and support from Frederick's businesses, friends, and the community.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- Hannah’s journey from Germany to the US, starting as an au pair and later opening her own business
- Hannah’s experiences with American food and fad diets that ultimately led to her passion for creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle and helping others do the same
- How the environment of corporate gyms led to the inspiration behind a coworking space with a gym that encourages collaboration
- The obstacles Hannah faced when starting a business and how she and her husband took the leap to create the space themselves
- How Squadstyle’s coworking setup allows entrepreneurs and business owners to share resources and support one another
- Why Hannah calls Frederick the best place you could live and have a business in
- Hannah’s Frederick Factor
Show Links:
Squadstyle Address:
11 Byte Ct. Suite C | Frederick, MD
Phone Number: 301.732.9290
Website: www.worknwellness.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squadstyle.cowork/
Email: squadstyle@worknwellness.com
Book a Tour: https://calendly.com/squadstyle/tour
Get in touch with Hannah: hannah@worknwellness.com
Get in touch with Jimmy: jimmy@slstudiofrederick.com
Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor here:
www.platinumpr.com
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
**Have you ever met an enraged owner? Now you have! In this episode, you’ll hear from Crystal Williams-Palmer of Frederick’s Crash and Catharsis Rage Factory. Crystal created Frederick's first and only “rage room” to give people a safe, controlled environment to break items and let out stress, frustration, and rage! Tune in to hear how Crystal worked through the challenges she encountered while working to open the rage room and why she was determined to open it in Frederick. The many fans of this popular downtown Frederick spot can attest to the power of having a safe place to break things and experience catharsis and relief!
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:**
- How supporting a friend through a breakup during the pandemic sparked the idea to create a rage room in Frederick
- The challenges Crystal faced when working on setting up her rage room and how Crystal became the “enraged owner”
- The helpful people and businesses that believed in Crystal’s vision along the way
- Frederick’s special way of connecting you to the right people at the right time in the right place
- How Crystal’s experiences working in Corporate America and the tow truck industry prepared her to have a woman-owned business
- Why Crystal knew that Frederick was the place she wanted to open her rage room
- Crystal’s Frederick Factor
Show Links:
Crash and Catharsis Rage Factory
Website: https://ccragefactory.com/**Location: 14 West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701
Phone: 240-741-2847
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccragefactory/*Facebook:* https://www.facebook.com/CCRageFactory*YouTube:* https://www.youtube.com/@crashcatharsisragefactory**
Vintage MChttps://vintage-mc.com/
The Weinberg Centerhttps://weinbergcenter.org/The Heartly Househttps://www.heartlyhouse.org/
Frederick County Mental Health Associationhttps://fcmha.org/
Season 2 Episode 7: The Helping Factor with Tina Harper of Dream Free Art
https://frederickfactor.com/2023/04/12/the-helping-factor-with-tina-harper/
Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor here:
www.platinumpr.com
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
**Shana Knight, our guest in Episode 1 of Season 2 of the Frederick Factor, is back for her follow-up episode! As a guest in one of our most popular episodes, Shana is back to share her year-later update about her position as the Senior Business Development Manager for Diversity and Inclusion with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development. She shares many great resources for underrepresented businesses through the FCOED. Plus, she shares exciting updates about SOUL Street, which is a local collective of Black business owners and community members in Frederick County who have come together to empower the Black business community through events, outreach, advocacy, and education.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:**
- Shana’s updates one year since recording Episode 1 of Season 2 of the Frederick Factor
- How underrepresented businesses can get support through FCOED’s EmPOWER offerings, such as the Monthly Networking Events, the EmPOWER Mentorship Program, and the Virtual Mentorship Accelerator Program
- What a one-on-one meeting with Shanna at the FCOED is like, and what kind of support & guidance a small underrepresented business can get from it
- How the FCOED’s Underrepresented Business Directory offers an accessible way for businesses to get more visibility
- Shana reveals SOUL Street’s BIG news!
- How the SOUL Street Takeover Events became a solution for serving brick-and-mortar underrepresented businesses in a fun and engaging way
- Special SOUL Street events coming up in summer 2023!
Show Links:
- FCOED’s EmPOWER Program https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empower
- The EmPOWER Program’s Monthly Networking Events https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empower-networking
- The EmPOWER Mentorship Program https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/mentorship
- The EmPOWER Small Business Accelerator Programhttps://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empower-accelerator
- The FCOED’s Underrepresented Business Directory https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/locations/sections/view/empower-businesses
- Season 2 Episode 1: The Opportunity Factor with Shana Knight of SOUL Street - Part 1 https://frederickfactor.com/2023/03/02/the-opportunity-factor-with-shana-knight-of-soul-street-part-1/
- Season 2 Episode 6: The Welcoming Factor with Jarad Bowenshttps://frederickfactor.com/2023/04/06/the-welcoming-factor-with-jarad-bowens/
- SOUL Street: https://mysoulstreet.com/
- SOUL Street TAKEOVER at TJay's Beer & Wine on June 16, 2023: https://www.facebook.com/events/92020505242840
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
In this episode, we meet Wayne Dorsey, Founder & Chairman of The Safe Ride Foundation, Frederick County’s only non-profit organization working to stop drunk driving. Founded in 2015, they are best known as the creators of the popular “SOS Safe Ride” program, a Frederick-County exclusive mobile app and ride service that will transport you AND your vehicle home safely when you’ve had a few too many. With this program, they’ve prevented well over 15,000 DUI offenses in Frederick County. Listen to this episode and learn more about The Safe Ride Foundation’s programs to eradicate drunk driving and why they’re one of the country's successful safe ride programs. Plus, hear how Wayne incorporates sold-out stand-up comedy shows as a way to raise money for drunk driving awareness.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- Wayne’s inspiration behind starting The Safe Ride Foundation
- Wayne’s experience of growing his business at a very young age and as a minority and how he used that as a superpower
- How the organization helps stop drunk driving through their breathalyzer booth in downtown Frederick
- How the Safe Ride Foundation Angel Fund has provided more than $25,000 to families affected by drunk driving in Frederick County
- The secret about what makes their Safe Ride Program so successful while many safe ride programs around the country have not succeeded
- How the Steered Straight Program helps people who have gotten DUIs to become a part of the solution instead of part of the problem
- Why Frederick is a phenomenal place to start a nonprofit
- Wayne’s Frederick Factor
Show Links:
- Safe Ride Foundation: https://www.saferidefoundation.org/
- S.O.S. Safe Ride Program: https://www.sossaferide.org/
- S.O.S. Safe Ride Phone Number: 240-722-7422
Address: 122 E Patrick St, Frederick MD, 21702
Email: info@sossaferide.org - Follow the S.O.S. Safe Ride Program:
- On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sossaferide/
- On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sossaferide
- Download the S.O.S. Safe Ride Program App:
- On Apple
- On Google Play
- Over the Limit Comedy Fest: https://overthelimitcomedyfest.com/
- Cellar Door in Frederick: https://www.cellardoorfrederick.com/
- Federated Charities: https://www.federatedcharities.org
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
In this episode, Tina Harper, the owner and CEO of Dream Free Art, shares her story of developing her unconventional business idea amid the pandemic with six kids at home. After initially facing doubters of her creative business idea, she participated in Frederick’s ShePitch contest, and soon, the community fell in love with the studio. Listen to Tina’s journey as a business owner and her experience living in Frederick.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- How Tina, a mom of 6, got the idea to transition her business model amid the pandemic
- How Dream Free Art’s experiences are different than typical “Sip and Paint” events
- The story behind Dream Free Art’s Bob Ross-inspired “Happy Accidents” Class, their “Glow” events, and more
- Tina’s experience of participating in Frederick’s ShePitch
- How the community of Frederick has welcomed and supported Tina and her business
- Ways that Frederick County and the community can continue to support small businesses and underrepresented businesses
- Tina’s Frederick Factor
Show Links:
- Dream Free Art: https://www.dreamfreeart.com/
- Follow Dream Free Art on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamfreeartstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamfreeart
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dreamfreeart
- Get in touch with Tina at: info@DreamFreeArt.com
- Dream Free Art is located at: 5104 Pegasus Ct Suite B, Frederick, MD 21704
- Frederick County Chamber of Commerce:https://www.frederickchamber.org
- Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s SheWeek Event:https://www.frederickchamber.org/sheweek2023.html
- Maryland Women Business Center:https://marylandwbc.org/
- Frederick OED’s EmPOWER Program:https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empower
Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor, here:
www.platinumpr.com
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
**Jarad Bowens is a Frederick resident who’s only lived in Frederick for a few years but has already made a huge impact in the community. An active member of the Chamber of Commerce, he shares the story behind presenting the idea for the Business Equity Coalition to the Chamber with Shana Knight. Now as the chair of that committee, Jarad shares some ways it’s creating more diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented businesses of all kinds in Frederick. Jarad also shares the story behind the creation of his business Benefactor Events and how it lives out its name of “benefactor.”
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:**
- How Jarad first got involved with the Chamber of Commerce in Florida and how this has made all the difference in his business
- The inspiration behind “Benefactor Events” and their dedication to supporting the community with their services
- How Jarad found that the best way to make change in the community was to help businesses to grow and develop
- Clarifying what DEI is and what it isn’t (Hint: it’s not about taking away seats at the table -- it’s about adding more)
- Why sometimes, to add more seats to the table, you’ve got to build a new table!
- Why “changing the world” isn’t the goal of the Business Equity Coalition -- inclusion, access, and representation is.
- Jarad’s Frederick Factor
Show Links:
- Benefactor Events: https://benefactorevents.com/
- Follow Benefactor Events on:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benefactoreventco
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benefactorevents/
- Business Equity Coalition for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce:https://www.frederickchamber.org/business-equity-coalition.html
- Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee: https://www.frederickchamber.org/women-in-business.html
- SOUL Street: https://mysoulstreet.com/
- Alive @ Five: https://downtownfrederick.org/upcoming-events/aliveatfive/
- I Believe In Me, Inc.: https://www.ibelieveinme.com/
- AK’s Grafix and Photo: https://aksgrafix.com/
Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor, here:
www.platinumpr.com
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
**In this episode, Peter Brehm, a founding member and the current treasurer of the Frederick Center, shares what the Frederick Center is doing to support the LGBTQIA+ community and to create awareness and education for the Frederick community. Many challenging questions are tackled in this episode as Peter shares insight about the challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces, the progressive steps that are being taken to create greater inclusion, and how people can be better allies and a part of the solution.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:**
- How the Frederick Center originated from one high school student’s challenges and determination to find support for LGBTQIA+ youth
- The many programs the Frederick Center has created to support the LGBTQIA+ community’s needs
- How the LGBTQIA+ 101 program provides a way for organizations and their employees to get informed about the LGBTQIA+ community
- The story of the first Pride Fest in Frederick and its evolution to an event that gathers over 15,000 people
- The importance of allies advocating for LGBTQIA+ people
- Why the LGBTQIA+ is seeking affirmation in the community (versus just acceptance), and what that can look like
Show Links:
The Frederick Center: https://thefrederickcenter.org
Frederick Pride: https://thefrederickcenter.org/frederick-pride
Downtown Frederick Partnership: https://downtownfrederick.org/
Learn more about Policy 443: https://www.fcps.org/boe/policy-443
JoJo’s Restaurant and Tap House: https://jojosrestauranttaphouse.com/
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ: https://erucc.org/
Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor, here:
www.platinumpr.com
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
Kathryn Vicere has been active in the Frederick theater scene since childhood, debuting in The King and I with the Fredericktown Players. Moving from center stage to behind the scenes, she now plays pivotal roles in Frederick, including serving as the Maryland Ensemble Theatre (the MET) Managing Director from 2018 to 2022. In this episode, she shares the MET's work to create more inclusivity through storytelling, involve young people in the arts, and highlight the contributions of everyone in the community through theater shows.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- How Kat’s lifelong career in the arts began as a child, determined to get Lucky Charms for breakfast
- How Kat’s journey as an actor started at five years old in Frederick
- How the MET brings theater to youth that otherwise might not experience it, and why this is so important to development
- How the MET’s shows contribute to educating the community on diversity, history, and creating more inclusivity
- One specific metric the MET ensemble uses to decide on the season’s shows
- Kat’s Frederick Factor
Show Links:
- The MET (The Maryland Ensemble Theatre) in Frederick: https://marylandensemble.org/
- Youth Programs at the MET: https://marylandensemble.org/youth-programs/
- The Weinberg Center for the Arts, Frederick: https://weinbergcenter.org/
- The Fredericktowne Players: https://ftptheater.com/
- The AARCH (The African American Resources – Cultural and Heritage Society): https://aarchsociety.org/about-aarch/
- Learn more about All Saints Street on the Visit Frederick website: https://www.visitfrederick.org/things-to-do/tours/self-guided-tour/african-american-sites/
- William Cochran and the Community Bridge: https://www.visitfrederick.org/listing/%E2%80%9Ccommunity-bridge%E2%80%9D-mural/3064/
Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor, here:
www.platinumpr.com
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
Chief of Police for the Frederick Police Department, Jason Lando, has worked fiercely to create initiatives that have strengthened relationships between police and the community. In this episode, we get to know Jason personally and learn about his background, his early dreams of becoming a police officer, his passion for supporting the community, the many initiatives that have helped build bridges in Frederick, and of course -- Jason’s Frederick Factor.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- What made Jason decide to pursue a police chief opportunity after he was eligible for retirement -- and why he chose Frederick
- The importance of dialogue between law enforcement and the community to bring people together instead of dividing them
- Why he instills the necessity of relationship-building into each new class of officers
- Jason’s experiences in Leadership Maryland, including participating in the powerful Justice Jobs program
- What the “Crisis Car” initiative is, and how it helps individuals in a mental health crisis
- How the Multi-Cultural Liaison Unit builds a bridge to help underrepresented communities feel safer to get the support of the police when they need it
- Jason’s Frederick Factor
Show Links:
- Leadership Maryland: https://www.leadershipmd.org/
- Leadership Frederick: https://www.frederickchamber.org/apply-for-lfc.html
- Leaders on Loan: https://www.frederickchamber.org/leaders-on-loan.html
- Frederick Factor Season 1: Episode 11: The Culture Factor with Elizabeth Chung of the Asian American Center of Frederick: https://frederickfactor.com/2021/12/22/the-culture-factor-with-elizabeth-chung/
Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor, here: www.platinumpr.com
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
Born in Peru, Sandra’s unexpected life journey led her to open a construction business in Frederick, Maryland. As one of Frederick’s only Hispanic and female construction business owners and only bilingual female licensed General Contractor, Sandra’s determination to thrive in challenging circumstances got her to where she is today. In this episode, she shares what she’s learned along the way and why she loves living and working in Frederick, Maryland.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- Why Sandra always says, “life is an unexpected journey,” and the twists and turns that led to her opening A&S Construction in Frederick, Maryland
- How losing her job during COVID-19 ultimately led her to become an entrepreneur
- How she’s turned her experiences as an underrepresented business owner into an opportunity to embrace who she is
- Ways that the Frederick community has become supportive of underrepresented business owners since COVID-19
- How the small-town feel of Frederick compares to the big Peruvian city where Sandra grew up
- Sandra’s Frederick Factor
Show Links:
- A&S Construction: https://ansconstruction.net/
- Frederick City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1589/Diversity-Equity-and-Inclusion-Advisory-
Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor here: www.platinumpr.com
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Guest Bio
Although she is not a native, Shana Knight has lived in Frederick County most of her life and is proudly rooted in this community. She is a Frostburg State University graduate with a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. Her career path took many twists and turns as she went from working at a local news station behind a camera to working in the nonprofit field for seven years. Working in nonprofits allowed Shana to form many new skills, meaningful connections, and a new love and appreciation for Frederick County.
In the midst of the pandemic and after the death of George Floyd in 2020, Shana and a group of community members came together to advocate for the Black Community by promoting and uplifting black-owned businesses in Frederick County and surrounding areas through pop-up markets. As a result, the organization SOUL Street was formed. SOUL Street is a local collective of Black business owners and community members in Frederick County who have come together to empower the Black business community through events, outreach, advocacy, and education. Inspired by Black Wall Street, “SOUL” is an acronym for Sustaining Our Unique Legacy.
**Shana’s advocacy and work through SOUL Street led her to a new career path, working in the government sector while supporting Frederick County’s underrepresented businesses.
Show Summary**
In this episode, Shana Knight shares the story behind creating SOUL Street and how racial injustices spurred a group of inspired people in Frederick to take action and make a lasting impact. Shana is taking her service for the community to a new level by supporting underrepresented business owners in Frederick County. Listen and learn more about the historical challenges Black business owners have faced and why supporting Black-owned businesses is crucial. Stay tuned for Part 2 — our 2nd interview with Shana — coming later this season!
Show Notes:
- The story behind the creation of SOUL Street in June 2020, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd
- How SOUL Street went from an idea in a Facebook Group to a hugely popular pop-up market just two weeks later
- The importance of connecting underrepresented businesses to the right resources so they can be sustainable
- Shana’s background in nonprofits supporting ALICE families and how that influences her work now
- How Frederick has improved its resources and support for underrepresented businesses
- Shana’s Frederick Factor
Show Links:
SOUL Street:
- Website: https://mysoulstreet.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysoulstreet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MySOULStreet/
- Email: info@mysoulstreet.com
Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor here: www.platinumpr.com
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
Meet the host of Season 2 of the Frederick Factor, Ashleigh Kiggans! Ashleigh is the Vice President of MacRo, Frederick County and Frederick City’s go-to brokerage for commercial real estate and land transactions, and an active member of local nonprofits. In this episode, our previous host, Sandy Dubay, “passes the torch” to Ashleigh! Ashleigh interviews Sandy, and we learn more about the origin of the Frederick Factor, future visions for the podcast, and the story behind getting Ashleigh to guest host this season of the Frederick Factor.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- The Big Reveal: Meet Ashleigh Kiggans, Host of Season 2 of the Frederick Factor!
- How Ashleigh and Sandy first got to know each other on an “awkward first date”
- Highlights from recording Season 1 of the Frederick Factor
- The story behind Platinum PR, the company producing the Frederick Factor
- How Ashleigh is stepping outside of her comfort zone to step into her hosting shoes
- Why Frederick, Maryland is affectionately called the “Huggy Town”
- Sandy’s Frederick Factor
Show Links:
The Mentorship Factor with Ashleigh Kiggans of MacRo Commercial Real Estate:https://frederickfactor.com/2021/11/03/the-mentorship-factor/
The Authenticity Factor with Angel and Crystal Rivera of Puerto Rico Distillery:
https://frederickfactor.com/2021/10/14/episode-1-the-authenticity-factor/
The Uniqueness Factor with Nikki Reineck of Sisters in Style: https://frederickfactor.com/2022/01/05/the-uniqueness-factor-with-nikki-reineck/
Check out all episodes of Frederick Factor Season 1 here: https://frederickfactor.com/episodes/
Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com
Learn more about Platinum PR, the producers of the Frederick Factor, here:
www.platinumpr.com
Learn more about Ashleigh Kiggans, Season 2 host, here: https://frederickfactor.com/about/
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/.
Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor
Show Summary
For our final episode of Season One of the Frederick Factor, our guest is Nikki Reineck, the owner and CEO of the clothing boutique Sisters in Style. Nikki shares her journey as a business owner and discusses how Sisters in Style evolved from an at-home business to opening a storefront in Frederick, Maryland and a facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nikki is also part of the deaf community, and her employees are all deaf as well. She shares with us the unique experience people can have in her store and how communities can make events more accessible and inclusive for the deaf community.
Show Notes
- How Nikki and her sister got the original inspiration to start selling clothing as a side business
- How they made the transition from direct sales to opening their first storefront
- The encouragement they received from their customer base to open a boutique in Frederick
- What it was like expanding the business during the pandemic
- The ways that sisterhood supports Nikki and her sister to be successful in their business
- Some of the goals they have to support other deaf-owned business owners and suppliers in their business
- The unique and valuable experience customers can have in their store (including hearing people and those with deaf children)
- The benefits of being located in Frederick, Maryland, where there’s a deaf community of over 3,000 people
- Nikki’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio:
Nikki Reineck is the owner and CEO of the clothing boutique, Sisters in Style, located in Frederick, Maryland, on Shab Row at 116 N. East Street. They’re open Wednesdays through Sundays. They offer a variety of styles and sizes in their boutique so that there’s something everyone can enjoy. Everyone on their staff is in the deaf community, and they have a whiteboard in the store to communicate with hearing people. They welcome all customers to their boutique to explore the variety of clothing and those who want to learn more about deaf culture, sign language, or who are interested in supporting deaf-owned businesses. In addition to the Frederick location, there is a Sisters in Style location in Indianapolis, and they also sell their clothing online and through the Sisters in Style app.
Show Links:
- Sisters in Style
- Follow Sisters in Style on Instagram
- Sisters in Style App on Apple
- Sisters in Style App on Google
- iYellow Interpreting
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary
Our guest for today’s episode is Elizabeth Chung, the founder and Executive Director of the Asian American Center of Frederick. The AACF brings together cultures, helps people become citizens of the US, and supports immigrants with essential skills to be independent and successful contributors to our communities. With passion and dedication, Elizabeth shares her journey creating AACF and growing the many successful programs that are powerfully impacting individuals, strengthening communities, and creating ripple effects throughout society at large.
Show Notes
- The original inspiration behind starting Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF)
- How the AACF has evolved beyond serving only the Asian American community
- The many different services offered by the AACF to support immigrants to become independent and contributors to the community
- Elizabeth’s joy in offering AACF’s Citizen and Naturalization Program
- The power of food festivals to bring different communities together
- What the Chinese Five Elements can teach us about community building
- The domino effect of different cultures helping one another
- Why it’s so important to see your own unconscious biases to help fight injustice
- Elizabeth’s ideas of how AACF could continue to grow and expand
- Elizabeth’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio:
Elizabeth Chung is a native of Hong Kong, China, and immigrated to the United States in 1970. For 45 years, she has been an advocate for minority health. She is the founder and Executive Director of the Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF), an organization dedicated to supporting immigrants with essential skills to be independent and successful contributors to the community. Under her leadership, AACF is a leading entity in addressing health disparities through partnership with collective impact. Elizabeth serves and has served on various advisory committees, boards, and commissions in various capacities, including the Asian Pacific American Commission of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiative. She has received many awards and accolades throughout her career, including becoming the national recipient of the New York Life Foundation – Love Takes Action Award.
Show Links:
- Asian American Center of Frederick
- Frederick’s EmPOWER Program
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary:
We’re sure this conversation with Aje Hill will leave you as inspired and as it left us. He shares his story of going from a “dope dealer” in his youth to becoming a “hope dealer” today. After going to prison at a young age, Aje had a wake-up moment where he decided that he believed in himself. Since then, he has committed himself to serving the community, helping at-risk youth through his nonprofit, I Believe In Me, Inc. He continues to serve “hope” everywhere he goes -- including this episode!
Show Notes:
- Aje’s story of going to prison at a young age and ending up lonely, hopeless, and full of pain
- The pivotal moment when Aje had to decide whether or not he believed in himself and would find a way to change
- The closed (and locked) doors in the community Aje faced after getting out of prison
- The inspiration behind starting his non-profit organization, I Believe In Me, Inc.
- Why it is so important for communities to provide safe spaces and healthy role models for at-risk youth
- The story behind “Hope Boxes,” the mobile food distribution program providing food to Frederick families in need
- Aje’s dedication to his mother, who was there for him through all the challenges
- The “self-inventory” practice that allows Aje to step into leadership each day
- Aje’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio:
Aje Hill is the Executive Director and Founder of the nonprofit, I Believe in Me Inc, based in Frederick County. Their mission is to reach at-risk youth and inspire and challenge them through programs that foster self-respect and respect for the world around them.Along with other leaders, Aje started a mobile food distribution program, Hope Boxes, which has delivered 4.1 million meals into the Frederick community and provided food to over 125,000 families. Aje strives to deter today’s youth from making the mistakes he made and prevent them from facing the same situations and consequences that he once faced.
Show Links:
- I Believe In Me, Inc.
- I Believe In Me on Instagram
- I Believe In Me on Twitter
- I Believe in Me on Facebook
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary
This conversation with Janece Lee was truly an inspiring one! As a recent college graduate, Janece is taking the fashion industry by storm as she fills an unmet need: plus-size young adult fashion. In this interview, Janece shares why it’s so important to create trending, stylish plus-size clothing for young adults. With determination, commitment, and a passion for her mission, Janece is building a powerful brand that’s dedicated to serving her target audience.
Show Notes
- How Janece got the inspiration for her plus-sized young adult fashion company
- Where the inspiration for her brand’s name, “HEISIS,” came from
- The first “bathroom selfie” moment that confirmed that her fashion line will be popular with the young adult market
- How Janece used Instagram to conduct target market research with her ideal demographic
- How growing up in a family business impacted her as an entrepreneur
- The biggest lesson she’s had to learn since starting her business
- Janece’s visions for scaling her business in Frederick
- Tips for aspiring underrepresented entrepreneurs
- Janece’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio
Janece Lee is the CEO/Founder of HEISIS, a fashion brand soley for plus-size teens and young adults. In December of 2019, Janece graduated from Kent State University, earning her degree in fashion merchandising. While in college, she had the opportunity to live in New York City and abroad in Florence, Italy. Janece aims to combine her authenticity and leadership skills to continue to grow her brand HEISIS, and to achieve her company’s mission of boldly redefining style without compromising size.
Show Links:
Shop HEISIS
HEISIS on Instagram
Platinum PR TikTok
WGSN
Woman to Woman Mentoring About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary:
Our guest Jose Bueso is well-known in the Frederick community. For over 25 years, he has been the owner of Dynamic Automotive. In this episode, Jose shares his journey from working on cars in his garage to owning five different Dynamic Automotive locations with 46 employees. While Jose has faced fears and challenges along the way, he’s stayed relentlessly committed and determined to grow the thriving business he has today.
Show Notes:
- How Jose and his business partner went from working in Jose’s garage for 4 years to opening the doors of their brick and mortar business, Dynamic Automotive
- How Jose got the courage to take the leap and quit his job to run the business full-time
- Why their growth has been a result of not focusing on making money but on making friends
- The challenges Jose and his business partner faced when opening their second location
- How they worked through the challenges they faced to now be successfully running 5 locations today with 46 employees
- Practical ways that they support their business and staff to be on the cutting edge of car technology
- What Jose’s best mentor, his father, taught him about how to be successful
- Jose’s tips for aspiring entrepreneurs
- Jose’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio:
Jose Bueso is the COO, past president, and co-founder of Dynamic Automotive, which has five locations in Frederick County. Jose has 49 years of experience in the automotive industry and has been an ASE Master Certified Technician since 1982. Jose is a member of the AutoCare Associations Government Affairs Committee, president of the Mechanical Trades Foundation, Chair of Career and Technology Advisory Council, a member of Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, and past president of Carroll Creek Toastmasters. Jose also serves as a mentor in the Frederick Office of Economic Development’s Empower Mentor Program.
Show Links:
- Dynamic Automotive
- Frederick County Career & Technology Center
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary
If you live in Frederick and frequent the Curious Iguana bookstore on the weekends, chances are that you’ve gotten a book recommendation from our guest Em Perper. The Frederick Factor team got to know Em when they led a Frederick OED Empower Program workshop. In today’s episode, Em shares their journey as a transgender nonbinary person and some of the experiences they’ve had helping to educate people about the LGBTQ community. This includes both formal workshops as well as daily experiences working in downtown Frederick.
Show Notes
- How Em identifies
- Why being well-meaning and progressive doesn’t stop a person from needing to educate themselves about nonconforming gender identities
- Em’s Frederick journey and how they ended up being the lead bookseller at Frederick’s popular independent bookstore, Curious Iguana
- What Em loves about Frederick and what would make it better for others
- How the pandemic created an atmosphere to explore gender identity and sexual orientation (and which popular TikTok resulted from it)
- Em’s experiences around people who make derogatory statements about the use of nonconforming pronouns and how they respond
- How to know which pronouns to use if someone refers to themselves with multiple pronouns
- Em’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio
Em Perper (they/them) is the lead bookseller at Curious Iguana, downtown Frederick’s independent bookstore. For five years, they served on the board of directors of The Frederick Center, which supports and advocates for Frederick’s LGBTQIA+ community. They’re passionate about creating queer-inclusive environments for folks who work, live, and visit Frederick.
Show Links:
Curious Iguana Bookstore
Here are some of Em’s LGBTQ book recommendations:
- The Pronoun Lowdown by Nevo Zisin
- How to They/Them by Stuart Getty
- A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns by Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson
- Queerstory: An Infographic History of the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights by Rebecca Strickson
- A Queer History of the United States by Michael Bronski
- Transgender History by Susan Stryker
- Trans Like Me: Conversations for All of Us by CN Lester
- Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Trans (But Were Afraid to Ask) by Brynn Tannehill
You can find or order these books at Curious Iguana (12. N. Market St. & info@curiousiguana.com) or on Bookshop.org**, a wonderful alternative to Amazon.
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/**. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary:
In this conversation with Dr. Xavier Bruce, we hear his story firsthand and what led him to become the change he wanted to see in the world. In this episode, Xavier (or Dr. X) shares his experience retiring from the military and his struggle to identify the mental health support he desired and needed. Ultimately this led to becoming a coach himself. He shares some of this journey that included encountering racism in the military, pursuing his doctorate while an active-duty officer, and building a business that supports underrepresented men and women in the military -- and building it in the midst of COVID.
Show Notes:
- Xavier’s experience working towards his doctorate while stationed in the most dangerous part of the world in Kandahar, Afghanistan
- What many Black veterans have faced when transitioning to civilian life after being on active duty
- How Xavier first knew that he wanted to coach Black veterans
- Why it’s so important to be able to find support that looks like you
- Why pursuing a doctorate was so important and empowering in his career
- Xavier’s advice for underrepresented entrepreneurs just getting started
- His three tips for excelling and enhancing lifestyle
- Xavier’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio:
Dr. Xavier Bruce, CEO/Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), was an active-duty officer in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar. During his time in the Air Force, he dealt with several stressful situations at once, including a rocky marriage, raising a son with autism, struggling through the doctoral dissertation process, microaggressions in the military, and experiencing rocket attacks while deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. With no one to guide him, he turned to self-learning and created a self-development framework he calls Strategic Energetic Transition™ (SET), which serves as the basis of his unique approach to coaching and speaking. Through his businesses Uplift Energy Coaching and Uplift In-Powerment, he supports underrepresented men and women veterans experiencing stress and anxiety associated with life transitions. He also commands the Western Maryland Chapter of the National Association for Black Veterans.
Show Links:
- Visit his website: www.xaviervbruce.com
- Uplift In-Powerment
- Western Maryland Chapter of National Association for Black Veterans
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary
Sue Hough is a long-time friend and collaborator of Platinum PR (the team behind the podcast) and is a force of creativity and good in Frederick, Maryland. In this episode, Sue shares her perspective on starting and growing a business as an Asian-American woman business owner. Sue also shares her experience as an engaged and active community member who is passionate about helping the people in Frederick, Maryland.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- How Sue’s career path took a turn from pursuing fashion design to offering graphic design
- Her inspiration behind becoming a business owner
- The creative idea that raised $9,000 for local Frederick businesses during the pandemic
- Why Sue is so passionate about fighting for the underdog
- Advice for aspiring underrepresented entrepreneurs
- A common stereotype about being Asian -- debunked
- Sue’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio
Sue Hough is the creative director, founder, and CEO of Octavo Designs, a graphic design studio in Frederick, Maryland. Sue has been a creative force in Frederick since 2000 when she founded Octavo Designs. Since then, Octavo Designs has become locally and nationally recognized. Sue also devotes her efforts to the community and enjoys sponsoring activities and volunteering her design services for numerous regional non-profit organizations, such as Women in Business Committee for the Frederick County Chamber, Rotary Club of Frederick and DEI Committee Member, DBE Panel Member for the City of Frederick, Greater Frederick Advertising Federation, and many more. She was recently recognized as a 2021 George Delaplaine Distinguished Citizen Award Honoree by the National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America -- only the second female to receive this honor.
Show Links:
- Learn more about Sue at Octavo Studios
- Connect with Sue on LinkedIn
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary
Our guest Ashleigh Kiggans is a stand-out CRE agent, Vice President of MacRo, dedicated community member, and passionate Frederick resident. Sandy spoke with Ashleigh on her career journey, her tips for young underrepresented females, and of course… what the “Frederick Factor” means to her.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- Why finding a good mentor is the #1 tip Ashleigh would give young Black women getting started
- The rigorous interview process Ashleigh went through and what made her stand out to her future employer
- Experiences she’s had as a minority woman in real estate development
- Her mentor’s best tip for her
- What Ashleigh would love to see Frederick County (continue to) do
- Her #1 tip for connecting with the Frederick community
- Ashleigh’s “Frederick Factor” (what she thinks makes Frederick so special)
Guest Bio
Ashleigh Kiggans is the Vice President of MacRo, Frederick County and Frederick City’s go-to brokerage for value-added commercial real estate and land transactions. After being their senior sales and leasing associate for a few years, she was promoted to Vice President. Kiggans plays a key role within the organization, assisting the leadership team across a wide range of initiatives, including market research, data analysis, client communications and marketing while assisting with the sales and leasing transactional process. She works closely with MacRo’s President, Rocky Mackintosh, on a wide range of key projects. Ashleigh is one of few full-time women active CRE agents in Frederick County, as well as one of the only full-time Black women CRE agents in Frederick County.
Show Links:
Connect with Ashleigh:
- MacRo Commercial Real Estate
Ashleigh is a dedicated volunteer of the following nonprofit organizations:Mental Health AssociationCommunity Foundation of Frederick CountyFrederick County Association of Realtors (FCAR)Federated Charities She also mentioned the nonprofit, I Believe in Me.
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary:
As a pediatrician with a health background and as a parent, Jackie Douge has seen the impact of health disparities on Black children and adults in an up-close and personal way. As the host of the podcast What is Black? and the owner of the company What is Black, LLC. Jackie aims to help as many families and children as possible by bringing these conversations to the forefront. In this episode, Jackie shares more about the inspiration behind What is Black? and the impact she’s working to make in the world.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- The history of Jackie’s podcast, What is Black? and how it got started
- The many different factors that can create health disparities
- Jackie’s journey having “the conversation” with her kids about being Black
- As a front-line worker, the health disparities Jackie has witnessed during COVID-19
- Jackie’s passion for helping families and children and making a difference
- The necessity of uncomfortable conversations to dismantle the various “ism’s” (racism, sexism, etc.) as well as uncomfortable conversations with family members
- Jackie’s tips for the next generation
- Some exciting projects in the works for What is Black?
- Jackie’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio:
Jacqueline Dougé, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a pediatrician, speaker, and writer. Dr. Dougé holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a Medical Degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Rutgers University. She has been featured in several media outlets (e.g., CNN, NPR, NY Times, Washington Post, and Today Show) and is the founder and CEO of a media company, What is Black?, which creates diverse and inclusive programming to uplift and affirm Black families and children.
Show Links:
What is Black? website
What is Black? - Talking About Race Course
Jackie’s personal website - jackiedouge.com
Connect with Jackie and What is Black?:
Twitter: @drdouge
Twitter: @whatisblk
Instagram: @whatisblk
Instagram: @drjacquelinedouge
Facebook: @whatisblk About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary
We loved this conversation with Eric Jorgensen, and we’re sure you’ll walk away with as many insights as we did. If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, you’ll gain tremendous value from hearing Eric’s story and learning about the resources he’s created. Eric also shared valuable tips and an insider's perspective on making the hiring process more accessible for people with special needs, why it’s so important, and practical ideas on accessible accommodations in the workplace. Listen in to be a better advocate and ally to those with disabilities or special needs.
Show Notes
- Eric’s journey of navigating the benefits and services in the disability world for his son that ultimately led to creating Special Needs Navigator
- What’s inside of the booklets he creates for families in all 50 states to help them figure out how to transition their child from child services to adult services successfully
- The difference between the terms “disability” and “special needs”
- Practical tips for employers to make job interviews more accessible
- Why employers shouldn’t be overly intimidated by the term “reasonable accommodations” and key mindsets to think about accessibility in the workplace
- An insider's perspective on accommodations within the workplace and the big difference these can make
- Why it’s so important to be mindful about trying to do things for someone with special needs and to give them instead a chance to go at their own pace
- Eric would like other parents with children with disabilities to know: you aren’t alone
- Tips for aspiring underrepresented entrepreneurs
- Eric’s Frederick Factor
Guest Bio:
Eric Jorgensen, ChSNC, is the founder of Special Needs Navigator and a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer. His company was born out of his journey of being the father to a son with autism. After his wife's sudden and unexpected death right when he was retiring from the Navy, Eric was thrust into navigating the special needs world as a single father in a new state. He promised himself he would do what he could to prevent other families from experiencing what he’d lived through. This led to starting his business, Special Needs Navigator, which helps caregivers, families, and individuals navigate the maze of benefits, resources, and services for their children with special needs.
Show Links:
- Learn More About Eric’s Business and Get In Touch: Special Needs Navigator
- Teaching the Autism Community Trades
About the Frederick Factor:
The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748
Show Summary
This episode features a lively and fun conversation with the team behind Frederick’s Puerto Rico Distillery, Angel Rivera and Crystal Rivera. They shared their love of Puerto Rican moonshine and what makes it so special--and Sandy even enjoyed sampling some during the interview. Sandy spoke with this father-daughter team and they shared their journey of bringing this beloved beverage to the USA, opening a business during the Pandemic, and falling in love with Frederick.
Show Notes
- Why Angel and Crystal decided to start their business and only serve the Puerto Rican rum, Pitorro
- Frederick’s “siren call” that led them to open their distillery here
- How they’ve been supported by the Frederick community with open arms
- The distances people will drive to try their authentic Pitorro, which can only be found in Puerto Rico
- Their experiences being an underrepresented business in Frederick, and how they share their native culture with the beauty, integrity, and pride it deserves
- The many ways this father-daughter team is committed to giving back through distillery offerings
- How they had to creatively “pivot” on their opening plans due to opening at the beginning of COVID in March 2020
- Angel and Crystal share their Frederick Factor
Guest Bio
Puerto Rico Distillery is located in Frederick, Maryland, and is led by father-daughter team Angel Rivera and Crystal Rivera. They are part of a career Navy family, and are award-winning ambassadors of their culture in the state of Maryland. Puerto Rico Distillery specializes in high-quality artisanal Puerto Rican diaspora rum. Affectionately known on the island as Pitorro, it’s been close to impossible to find it anywhere outside of Puerto Rico. Pitorro **is a rum distilled from sugar cane molasses that for centuries has been enjoyed by Puerto Rican families and friends. Puerto Rico Distillery aims to share the unofficial national spirit of Puerto Rico and its rich traditions.
Show Links:**
Learn More About the Puerto Rican Distillery: www.puertoricodistillery.com
Visit their distillery in Frederick, Maryland:
1341 Hughes Ford Road
Unit 113A
Frederick, MD 21701
- Pitorro Workshop Series - Youtube Videos
- Online Store
- Puerto Rican Distillery on Instagram
- Attend a tasting (Reservations are encouraged but not required)
Show Summary
In Episode 0, we share the inspiration behind starting the Frederick Factor! Season 1 host and Frederick Factor creator Sandy Dubay shares how the Frederick Factor started as an idea over two years ago, and how it evolved into the podcast it is today.
Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:
- How the inspiration behind the Frederick Factor was born
- How the Frederick Factor evolved into a podcast focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Learn about Platinum PR, the production and marketing team behind Frederick Factor
- Platinum PR’s experience working with organizations on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and why we wanted to be a part of this conversation in Frederick
- Sneak peek into episodes to come in Season 1!
Show Links:
You can follow the Frederick Factor on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748