Boston's Best

This week, I am talking with Janelle Driscoll, Co-Founder of JJ Media. JJ Media is a modern day public relations company focusing on media, marketing and management services.

Their mission is to “lead businesses and individuals through today's ever-changing media industry with a fresh approach to public relations and marketing needs''. Janelle shares how their strong relationships and determination helps them stay ahead of industry trends and is the key to their success and drives results for their clients.

In this episode, Janelle shares the importance of remaining creative and innovative during a global pandemic and why it’s essential to learn to trust the process. Janelle goes on to say that one of the best brand marketing strategies is brand collaboration. Working alongside local businesses in your community, even outside of your “industry”, is a game changer when it comes to strategic, out-of-the-box thinking.

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.

Your childhood dog or newly-adopted cat is more than just a pet, they’re your closet companions. Which is why they deserve the best treatment and care.

This week, I am talking with Dr. Brian Bourquin, founder of Boston Veterinary Clinic. Boston Veterinary Clinic is a full-service, primary care veterinary clinic located in historic Bay Village serving dogs and cats in Greater Boston, MA. This state-of-the-art veterinary clinic provides compassionate, fear-free veterinary care for their patients and trusted, relationship-focused services to their clients.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Bourquin shares how he and his husband started Boston Veterinary Clinic and the importance of establishing a “Fear Free” atmosphere. By serving both clients and their companions, Brian creates a fun, safe, and open community that families know and love. Whether it’s promotional free-donut days, specialty animal treats, or dog leash giveaways, Boston Veterinary Clinic knows how to create an environment where animals are begging to get in.

Topics Discussed:

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Contact Boston Veterinary Clinic:

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 names like “Laser Cat” and “Light Runner”, it’s no surprise my guest this week knows how to stand out from the crowd.

This week, I am talking with Keith Sullivan, Co-Owner of Medusa Brewing Company. Medusa Brewing Company is a Brewery and Taproom located in Hudson, MA, and is one of the first breweries to open with a taproom in 2015. Their handcrafted beer utilizes time-honored methodology and the finest natural ingredients from around the world.

Throughout our conversation, Keith talks in-depth about the major sweat equity poured into Medusa Brewing Co. as well as the setbacks in the contracting and financial phase of getting started. We also discuss the effectiveness of keeping marketing clean and simple but also diversifying from competition to create a unique customer experience.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Medusa Brewing Company:

Relevant Article(s):

https://www.wbjournal.com/article/medusa-brewery-takes-gold-at-the-olympics-of-brewing

Contact Medusa Brewing Company:

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.

It’s no surprise that my guest this week has a passion for art and creativity. Even when she's off the clock, she is still working with her hands. Whether it’s building things at home or getting crafty in the kitchen, my guest adds a fun and unique flair to all that she creates.

This week, I am talking with Erin Erler, Owner & Cake Artist of Cakes By Erin, a custom Cake business located in Haverhill, MA. At Cakes by Erin, they pride themselves on three things: “originality, quality, and customer service”. They strive to create the most unique, delicious, and 100% NUT FREE cakes for all your occasions and celebrations.

Throughout our conversation, Erin shares with us how she went from a cake side gig while teaching at her kids school to opening a shop in 2010 due to high demand. Being a completely self-taught baker, Erin has won three Food Network competitions, designed a cake for the Boston Red Sox and has baked cakes for celebrities like Adam Sandler. Erin also shares with us how COVID-19 impacted her business as well as her physical health after recovering from a covid-induced stroke.  

Connect with Cakes By Erin:

Relevant Article(s):

Contact Cakes By Erin:

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.

It’s no surprise that my guest this week has a passion for art and creativity. Even when she's off the clock, she is still working with her hands. Whether it’s building things at home to getting crafty in the kitchen, my guest adds a fun and unique flair to all that she creates.

This week, I am talking with Erin Erler, Owner & Cake Artist of Cakes By Erin, a custom Cake business located in Haverhill, MA. At Cakes by Erin, they pride themselves on three things: “originality, quality, and customer service”. They strive to create the most unique, delicious, and 100% NUT FREE cakes for all your occasions and celebrations. 

Throughout our conversation, Erin shares with us how she went from a cake side gig while teaching at her kids school to opening a shop in 2010 due to high demand. Being a completely self-taught baker, Erin has won three Food Network competitions, designed a cake for the Boston Red Sox and has baked cakes for celebrities like Adam Sandler. Erin also shares with us how COVID-19 impacted her business as well as her physical health after recovering from a covid-induced stroke.

Connect with Cakes By Erin:

Relevant Article(s):

Contact Cakes By Erin:

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 a name like “Shovel Town”, you know there is an interesting history behind this local Brewery. What was once a shovel manufacturing plant now turned brewery, my guests this week share their love for craft beer and building a strong community.

This week, I am talking with Frank Altieri and Jim McSherry, Co-Owners of Shovel Town Brewery, a Microbrewery and Taproom located in North Easton, MA.

In our conversation, Frank and Jim share how they started from practicing homebrewing to opening Shovel Town Brewery in 2014. They both discuss the importance of having a strong customer satisfaction and recognizing the importance of community. We discuss how they pivoted through Covid-19 and their future plans of opening another location in early 2022.

When Frank and Jim aren’t working, they both enjoy checking out local breweries and seeing how they can improve their own customer experience.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Shovel Town Brewery:

Relevant Article(s):

Contact Shovel Town Brewery:

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.

What makes a great “beer fest” experience? Is it good times with friends and family? An opportunity to explore all that beer has to offer? A strong sense of camaraderie and community? Or is it a mixture of all three? Our featured MA brewery of the week focuses on combining shared experiences and great company to enjoy a beer with.

This week, I am talking with Dani Babineau, CEO and Co-Founder of Redemption Rock Brewing Company. Redemption Rock Brewing Company is a brewery, taproom, and cafe located in Worcester, MA. With its slogan, “Beer for People”, this brewery is built on the idea that life’s too short not to celebrate great beer and people. Not only does Redemption Rock serve its community through shared experiences and great beer, they are also MA’s, first Certified B Corp Craft Brewery. By giving back to its community, this brewery creates a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

In our conversation, Dani shares how her architect background led her to falling in love with the craft beer industry. As she explains how design and entrepreneurship co-exist in the craft beer industry, she also shares how creativity and trying new things allows her the opportunity to have fun outside of work. We also discuss the unique challenges faced during Covid-19 and her future plans for business as she prepares for her wedding in October.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Redemption Rock Brewing Company:

Relevant Article(s):

Contact Redemption Rock Brewing Company:

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 you think of promotional materials, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Fancy fountain pens or water bottles with your company’s logo? While these trends may have been popular years ago, my guest this week recognizes that brand recognition is key to building a strong relationship with your clients. It’s time to stop settling for generic ideas and to start thinking outside of the box to create a lasting consumer experience.

This week, I am talking with Chris Faris, Founder & CEO of Boost Productions. Boost Productions is a Global Promotional Product and Branded Merchandise Agency located in Beverly, MA. From being a solopreneur in 2007 to having global employees, Chris has taken the product based industry to a service based business by focusing on deep client relationships. This service model not only has made Boost Productions successful over the years, but has cultivated many friendships along the way.

In our conversation, Chris and I discuss how he has overcome day-to-day challenges in his business, the importance of diversifying your business to stand out from competition, and why showing up and serving your clients first is the most important component to business.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Boost Promotions:

Contact Boost Promotions:

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 Kaity Cimo and Katharine ReQua, Co-Founders of For Now,

located in Boston, MA. Voted Boston's Best for Retail Innovation, For Now is a retail incubator that makes it easy to shop and support tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.

Both Kaity and Katharine focus on being a launchpad for upcoming brands and entrepreneurs as they serve 20-25 different vendors every few months. Their model focuses on cultivating relationships to drive business to everyone involved.

In our conversation, both Kaity and Katharine share their passion for entrepreneurship and what it means to depend on a strong community. Although they’ve faced challenges along the way, from not getting the key to their building until the day before their Grand Opening to canceling their Women’s Summit days into a Global Pandemic, For Now has maintained its commitment to serving its community.

Be sure to tune in as both Kaity and Katharine share what success means to them and why they wake up every day loving what they do.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with For Now:

Contact For Now:

Relevant Articles:

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.

Picture this. You’re on a virtual conference call with your company, discussing financial goals for 2021. Then, Lebron James hops on the Zoom call for a virtual meet-and-greet. Or the cast of The Greatest Showman serenades you in song. While many people dream of meeting their favorite athletes or musicians, for some, this can be a reality. 

This week, I am talking with Brandon Gilson, Owner of The Best Seats VIP Concierge, a Premiere Corporate Entertainment Concierge, headquartered in Boston, MA. TBSVIP serves over 10,000 clients globally by creating unique and customized experiences with exclusive VIP access. By focusing on out-of-the-box, Big Picture thinking, it’s evident that Brandon’s greatest passion is to create relationships and provide unforgettable experiences.

We explore misconceptions about the “experience” industry, how he has shifted and pivoted through creating virtual experiences during COVID-19, and how he is leveling up when the world resumes live, in-person events. As we explore taking the “unconventional” route in entrepreneurship, Brandon's biggest advice is to explore different opportunities. He shares that post-college students often believe the lie that they have to stay in their current position. By getting out of your comfort zone and focusing on creating strong relationships, you create your own reality.

Topics Discussed:

Connect w/ TBSVIP:

Contact Brandon Gilson:

Relevant Articles:

Connect w/ 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 bout 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.