Boston's Best

This week, I am talking with David Huddleston, Owner of Huddleston Homes. Huddleston Homes is a boutique, Boston based, property management firm committed to providing personalized care to each of their clients. As a family owned and operated company, Huddleston Homes treats each property as if it were their own.

In this episode, David shares how he got started in property management and the hard work it takes to be an entrepreneur. From playing gigs under his band, “Biscuits and Gravy” to real estate and property management, David recognizes the importance of establishing strong relationships with both his clients and his business partners. We talk about routine, future goals for Huddleston Homes, and why education is important for both personal and professional growth.

Topics Discussed:

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About Boston’s Best:

“Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

This week, I am talking with my friend and Owner of Vagabond Way Fitness, Kevin O’Malley. Vagabond Fitness is a “fitness community dedicated to ongoing learning, continued improvement, constant support, and the achievement of health and fitness goals” located in Easton, MA.

From teaching third grade, training fitness groups in a one-car garage, to one-on-one coaching in the gym, Kevin believes in always bettering yourself, both physically and mentally. He also founded a 501c3 non-profit, Guardians of the Streets, where he focuses on guiding the communities on addiction, mental health, and homelessness as an opportunity to better themselves.

In this episode, Kevin shares why he believes one-on-one personal training is better for both the coach and the client. While group fitness classes can be beneficial, Kevin recognizes that each individual has specific needs and it’s important to address them head on. We also talk about the way Kevin approaches fitness and why it’s important to lean into your own intuition and follow your gut despite what others may think.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Vagabond Way Fitness:

Relevant Articles:

Contact Vagabond Way Fitness:

Connect with Mark Condon:

About Boston’s Best:

“Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success. 

This week, I am talking with my friend and Owner of Vagabond Way Fitness, Kevin O’Malley. Vagabond Fitness is a “fitness community dedicated to ongoing learning, continued improvement, constant support, and the achievement of health and fitness goals” located in Easton, MA.

From teaching third grade, training fitness groups in a one-car garage, to one-on-one coaching in the gym, Kevin believes in always bettering yourself, both physically and mentally. He also founded a 501c3 non-profit, Guardians of the Streets, where he focuses on guiding the communities on addiction, mental health, and homelessness as an opportunity to better themselves.

In this episode, Kevin shares why he believes one-on-one personal training is better for both the coach and the client. While group fitness classes can be beneficial, Kevin recognizes that each individual has specific needs and it’s important to address them head on. We also talk about the way Kevin approaches fitness and why it’s important to lean into your own intuition and follow your gut despite what others may think.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Vagabond Way Fitness:

Relevant Articles:

Contact Vagabond Way Fitness:

Connect with Mark Condon:

About Boston’s Best:

“Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

If you’re from Boston, then you already know and love this week’s featured business.

This week, I am talking with Paul Delios, Co-Owner, Creative Director, and President of Kane’s Donuts. Kane’s Donuts is a locally owned and family operated gourmet donut shop located in Boston, MA. What started as a simple, Mom-and-Pop shop serving locals in 1955 to now being one of the U.S. Top 10 donut shops, Kane’s Donuts has been a Boston favorite for 66 years.

In this episode, Paul shares the strategy behind changing the business model to meet the desires of a new, younger generation. Paul recognizes the constant change of the food industry and seeks to provide options everyone can love. Since its launch in 2014, Kane's has earned local and national attention for Kane's Gluten Free (KGF), what many consider the best line of gluten-free donuts made by a traditional U.S. donut shop!

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Kane’s Donuts:

Relevant Articles:

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/06/10/bostons-favorite-donut-shops/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=122&v=OoGWcvBfKl0&feature=emb_logo

Contact Kane’s Donuts:

Connect with Mark Condon:

About Boston’s Best:

“Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

Family sitting by the pool, ice cold beer in hand, and smoking up brats on the grill. This is what Summers are made of. What could be better? Knowing that your meats are fresh, local, and good for you.

This week, I am talking with Art Welch, Owner of Pig Rock Sausages. Pig Rock Sausages produces chef & restaurant made quality sausages located in Boston, MA. With over 20 different flavors of sausages, they focus on using fresh, quality ingredients to produce the highest quality line of sausages. Their "secret" ingredient? They do not include any additives or preservatives.

In this episode, Art shares what it was like being a chef for many years and helping open twelve restaurants. Art also created his own line of barbecue sauces which led to creating Pig Rock Sausages. His “What’s Next” attitude proves that Art is an entrepreneur at heart. We also discuss the importance of setting goals, both professionally and personally, and why success is often measured by happiness.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Pig Rock Sausages:

Relevant Articles:

Contact Pig Rock Sausages:

Connect with Mark Condon:

About Boston’s Best:

“Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

This week, I am talking with Jorge Aurichi, Founder & Owner of Level Five Painting. Level Five Painting, LLC. is an interior/exterior residential and commercial painting company that provides interior painting, exterior painting, wallpaper services, and light carpentry work for the West Newton, MA area. Level Five Painting strives to provide every client with excellent work, making it a pleasant and unique experience in every project.

In this episode, Jorge shares with us the importance of establishing strong relationships with both your employees and your clients. Jorge also emphasizes the importance of organic growth and word-of mouth-marketing as a way of establishing trust with clients. Not only is it important to ensure trust but treating people as people is essential to both business partnerships and personal relationships. We also discuss changes in the commercial & residential painting industry and how technology is changing the game for future business.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Level 5 Painting:

Relevant Articles:

Contact Level 5 Painting:

Connect with Mark Condon:

About Boston’s Best:

“Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

With over 200,000 cannolis hand made daily (with room to grow!) and holding the world record for world’s largest cannolo (the singular of cannoli) of 300-lbs and 12-ft long, it’s no secret that my guest this week has a competitive spirit and a strong familial bond.

This week, I am talking with Valerie Bono, Co-Owner and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Golden Cannoli. Golden Cannoli is a second generation family owned cannoli factory based in Chelsea MA. They make cannoli shells, cannoli chips and cannoli fillings. For over 50 years they've been industry leaders in quality, innovation and customer service.

In this episode, Valerie shares what it was like transitioning from learning about business in college to then becoming the Co-Owner of her family’s cannoli business. We discuss how the cannoli industry sets itself apart from other pastries and baked goods, what it means to set the bar high for customer satisfaction, and how Golden Cannoli is simply just getting started.

Be sure to tune into this week’s episode of Boston’s Best and don’t forget to celebrate National Cannoli Day on June 16th!

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Golden Cannoli:

Relevant Articles:

Contact Golden Cannoli:

Connect with Mark Condon:

About Boston’s Best:

“Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Whether you’ve attended a friend's wedding or had a wedding of your own, you know that the music vibe can absolutely make or break a wedding experience. No matter the genre of music, it’s important to know how to create a magical experience for not only the Bride and Groom but for the guests as well.

This week, I am talking with Dane Leveton, Professional DJ, MC and Owner of Levitate Weddings. Levitate Weddings provides an all inclusive, premier wedding planning experience, located in Danvers, MA. Dane has been a top DJ and MC for over 20 years and was actually the DJ at my own wedding.

In this episode, Dane shares the artistry behind perfecting the “Start and Stop” transition to keep the music and vibe going, how to keep the crowd moving, and the power of easy listening, intimate music before the dance floor opens up. Even when Dane isn’t DJing or MCing events, he is still pursuing his other passions and recognizes the power of pursuing your most ambitious goals.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Levitate Weddings:

Relevant Articles:

Contact Levitate Weddings:

Connect with Mark Condon:

About Boston’s Best:

“Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

Leveraging strong relationships with your clients and fellow colleagues is one of the best marketing tools you can have in your business. My guest this week recognizes the power of relationship building and why it’s essential for both the company and the community alike.

This week, I am talking with Derek Heltzel, Partner with Standard Title & Escrow. Standard Title & Escrow provides representation to buyers and sellers of real estate, as well as banks and mortgage companies. As they strive to provide the most wholesome representation available, they guide their clients through every step of the closing process, from negotiating the Purchase & Sale Agreement, to reviewing the final closing documents.

In this episode, Derek shares with us the story behind their signature “red” color scheme and why Tiffany & Co. inspired their “concierge” service for their clients. As we discuss goal setting and the future of Standard Title & Escrow, Derek reminds us that it’s in the small, daily action that creates the most impact. When you focus on the small, bite-sized successes, you begin to see the long term success come into fruition.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Standard Title & Escrow:

Contact Standard Title & Escrow:

Connect with Mark Condon:

About Boston’s Best:

“Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.

When starting a business, no matter the industry, it’s important to recognize how you can meet a need, fill in a gap, and/or fulfill a demand. My guest this week is able to meet the needs of her community, fill in a gap for Non-Profit organizations, and fulfill a demand to help women and girls find financial freedom in the Greater Boston area.

This week, I am talking with Christina Gordon, CEO at Women’s Foundation of Boston. Women’s Foundation of Boston “is a registered 501(c)(3) that economically empowers Greater Boston women and girls through funding high impact leadership and economic programs in partnership with nonprofits serving solely women and girls”.

In this episode, Christina shares how the Women’s Foundation of Boston helps women and girls feel empowered through their careers and finances, as well as leadership and education opportunities. Although Covid-19 took a toll on many businesses and communities, the Women's Foundation of Boston was able to raise over half a million dollars and give back to over 6,000 women and girls through the Global Pandemic.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Women’s Foundation of Boston:

Relevant Article(s):

https://boston.citybizlist.com/article/641662/womens-foundation-of-boston-announces-2020-grant-winners

Contact Women’s Foundation of Boston:

Connect with Mark Condon:

About Boston’s Best:

“Highlighting successful businesses in and around Boston, MA.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Through each episode, Mark finds what sets these different businesses apart from their competition and how they rose above the inevitable challenges they faced along the way to their ultimate success.