Boston's Best

Does a man make a suit or does a suit make a man?

This week, I am talking with Marc Streisand, Owner of Marc Allen Fine Clothier, located in both Boston, MA & Providence, RI. Marc Allen Fine Clothier prides themselves in offering what big box stores cannot, a focus on the individual. By taking time to design and build curated collections from the rarest and finest items and fabrics in the world, they offer superior quality, unique style, and elegance for their clients.

While Marc and his team focus on creating a luxury client experience, he also believes in providing value. Selling clothes for money isn’t Marc’s mission when it comes to Fashion and Style. His biggest motivator? Seeing men (and women) find confidence in themselves. Throughout our conversation, it is evident that Marc creates a fun and creative user experience.

Not only does he focus on the client, but he also focuses on his team and giving back to others. As Marc puts it, “My employees don’t work for me, they work with me”. When I asked him how to define success, he shared that the key to success is a healthy work-life balance. While money can buy you nice things, it’s the relationships and experiences that truly outweigh financial gain.

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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.

Think back to your childhood. What was your favorite drink growing up? For many individuals, chocolate milk was that perfect drink. Paired with donuts for breakfast or cookies for dessert, chocolate milk was a childhood favorite. And while many adults still love the taste, there just aren’t many healthy alternatives. However, our guest this week, former Shark Tank enthusiast, is bringing back your childhood classic. Only this time, even better than before.

This week, I am talking with Manny Lubin, Co-Founder of Slate Milk. Both Manny and his partner, Josh, are changing the way people think and feel about the food and beverage industry. By shifting the way we think about protein, Slate Milk paves the way for healthy chocolate milk alternatives. Their slogan, “Chocolate Milk, But Better” focuses on crafting the perfect recipe for a pre/post-workout drink without all of the added sugars.

Throughout our conversation, Manny shares with us how he and Josh got started and how they created Slate Milk with the purpose of bringing back a childhood favorite. Manny shares the dairy process, how they have prolonged the shelf life, and why protein is no longer only for fitness buffs. We also discuss the various opportunities for better-for-you startups in grocery and convenience stores as well as the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who love what they do.

Topics Discussed:

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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.

Construction workers and those in the trades industry are more than grunt workers, they set the firm foundation for friends, families, and businesses to come. In fact, construction workers are the heartbeat of their communities.

This week, I am talking with Mike Haynes, Co-Founder of Haynes Group, a Commercial Construction Management Company located in West Bridgewater, MA. In 2001, Mike and his brother, Bryan, founded The Haynes Group and have widely grown their business with 600+ projects under their belt. By forging long-lasting relationships with each of their clients, it’s no wonder their very first client is still doing business with them after nearly 20 years.

Throughout our conversation, it is evident that Mike and his team’s main goal is to serve their community. With the focus on cultivating strong relationships with their clients, The Haynes Group paves the way for the trades industry. Although they have been operating for nearly 20 years now, they are only getting started. As we discuss the minimal changes to the construction industry over the years, Mike remains hopeful for new opportunities through the ever changing technology advancements.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with The Haynes Group:

Contact Haynes Group, Inc.:

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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.

While there are seasons for hustle, it’s not sustainable long-term. Too often entrepreneurs run themselves dry without ever taking time for themselves to simply “think”. Our guest this week, however, is a strong advocate of creating a healthy work-life balance, on and off the clock.

This week, I am talking with Michelle Mercier, Business Strategist Coach, Public Speaker, and the CEO/Founder of Create Honesty, located in Hudson, MA. With 15+ years of corporate and professional experience, Michelle has worked with a wide range of different businesses – from nationally acclaimed nonprofits to Fortune 500 corporations. Her wide range of experience has enabled her to become an expert in leadership, change management, scalability, marketing, and technology.

As we discuss the ins and outs of what it means to be an entrepreneur, we discuss the importance of intentionality. Michelle shares that being intentional with your time helps you focus on what you do best. By simply taking five minutes to meditate daily or leaving room for flexibility in your calendar, this helps you become a top performer in your field. Michelle also shares how a positive money mindset is no longer a “woo woo” saying but more of a lifestyle change. Once we realize that entrepreneurship is a marathon and not a sprint, we are able to pull away from the 24hr hustle mindset.

Topics Discussed:

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Additional Resources:

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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.

Think back to your office holiday parties, promotional celebrations, and the various business milestones. From celebrating the big wins to recognizing all the hard work, your company deserves to make a toast to honor your brand.

This week, I am talking with Sophia D'Angelo, Founder & CEO of Boston Experiential Group, about creating unforgettable experiences for both private businesses and big corporate companies. Sophia shares her background in Brand & Experiential Marketing and how working for Samuel Adams jump started her solo career. By making strong connections during her first year of business, Sophia was able to massively expand her business simply through word-of-mouth referrals.

From private dinner celebrations to lavish Gatsby-Style parties, Sophia has done it all. As we discuss what business was like pre-COVID, Sophia shares how she has since pivoted in the digital world. Until traveling the country and hosting big parties becomes the social norm again, Sophia has shifted the focus to bringing these unique experiences online. Through creative ideas such as cooking and cocktail classes to DIY candle making, Sophia has helped businesses from all over celebrate life’s greatest moments.

Topics Discussed:

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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 Kristie Dean, Founder of The Soul Project and the Photographer behind Kristie Rae Images. Kristie has a heart for empowering women through honest storytelling. By giving women a platform to share their raw and vulnerable stories, Kristie uses photography to connect women on their soul journeys.

When it comes to leaning into your unique gifts, Kristie advocates for sticking to your “special sauce”. By honing your skills and using your gifts, you begin to create a life that allows you to use your strengths everyday. As we discuss comparison in business, Kristie also shares that by doing what lights you up from the beginning, you begin to find your voice.

Throughout our conversation, Kristie’s biggest passion is evident in changing the “highlight reel” narrative from social media by utilizing empowering imagery and raw storytelling. By focusing on real-life experiences, Kristie’s creativity shines through. The fuel for this passion? Cultivating strong relationships through open and honest communication.

Topics Discussed:

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Learn More About The Soul Project:

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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 Will Nitze, CEO and Founder of IQ Bar. Unlike other protein bars, IQ Bars follow virtually every diet under the sun. By utilizing plant protein as its main source of energy, this benefits both body and brain health.

But what led to creating this crash-free energy, next-to-no-sugar or carb protein bar? While studying Neuroscience at Harvard, Will discovered his love for Psychology. Having a deeper understanding of how the brain functions, Will set out to create a healthy alternative that strengthens both productivity and wellbeing.

As we discuss the early stages of IQ Bar, Will shares his number one piece of advice for new business owners. According to Will, Information Gathering should be your main priority. Setting your ego aside and asking the "stupid" questions will kickstart your success. Will also shares how social media is changing the brick and mortar industry and why it's important to establish a strong online following. We also discuss the importance of creating your own success by leveraging opportunities.

Topics Discussed:

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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 in the Massachusetts area & are dreaming of renovating your home, then look no further. Our guest this week specializes in creative design and flourishes on looking at the “Big Picture” through a holistic approach.

This week, I am talking with Lori Korn, owner of Korn Interiors. Korn Interiors is a commercial and residential design firm in Concord, Massachusetts. It was founded in 2005 to address a scarcity of full service interior firms in Concord & the surrounding communities. Through our conversation, Lori shares her entrepreneurial journey and how she has adapted and pivoted her business over the past decades.

From living in the Midwest to attending Graduate school in London to now owning Korn Interiors in Massachusetts, Lori has quite a colorful background. Lori shares how her love for acting and singing on touring cruise ships opened doors for interior design. In the beginning of her career, Lori explains how she loved to create experiences for children in Pediatric and Dental facilities. Everywhere from airport design to creating an entire jungle experience or young children.

What makes Lori’s creative edge so different from other interior designers is that she’s not afraid to think outside of the box. Gone are the days of simple black and white thinking when it comes to renovating your home. Lori’s passion for creativity and exploration allows her to cultivate a unique experience for each individual.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Korn Interiors:

Contact Korn Interiors:

Connect with Mark Condon:

Contact Mark Condon:

About Boston's Best:

Highlighting successful businesses in & around Boston, MA

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry-leading experts to talk about their businesses throughout 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 are the key ingredients to perfecting your craft? According to our guest, consistency, creativity, cultivating an atmosphere that people know and love are what make this Framingham business keep people coming back for more.

This week, I am talking with Luke Foley, Owner of Bourbon’s Kitchen & Cocktails as he shares his entrepreneurial journey and his heart behind serving his community. From charging at the door for local parties in college to now in the hospitality business of serving his community through food, drink, experiences.

The very thing that sets Bourbon’s Kitchen & Cocktails apart from others in the industry is that they “operate a high-level with a casual atmosphere”. When it comes to the customer experience, the atmosphere is what makes or breaks the company. As we discuss the importance of differentiating your business, Luke shares how the “quick-on-your-feet” attitude has helped them pivot and adapt to the many challenges faced during the Global Pandemic.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Bourbon’s Kitchen & Cocktails:

Contact Bourbon’s Kitchen & Cocktails:

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mark Condon:

Contact Mark Condon:

About Boston’s Best:

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

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 &how they rose above the inevitable challenges along the way.

Happy New Year! 

We are back after taking a much-needed Holiday break and with a whole new name and vision for this podcast. This show is branching out beyond just the MetroWest area of Massachusetts. “Boston’s Best” is now highlighting businesses outside of the Boston area as we begin 2021!

This week, I am talking with William Consoli of Tony Colella Landscaping. William shares the story behind Tony Colella Landscaping and how it all started from mowing lawns on the weekend to taking the business to the next level. We discuss the importance of setting high standards when it comes to goal setting and how to support the client’s vision.

According to William, a common phrase Tony shares with his team members is that“You can’t have a long-term goal without the short-term goals first”. While we should strive for big goals within our business, it’s important to remember the day-to-day tasks that get us to that point. As we explore what it means to focus on quality rather than quantity, we also dive into the difference between taking shortcuts and truly perfecting the craft of landscaping.

Be sure to listen in as William also shares common myths and misconceptions about the landscaping business and what he and Tony believe is the key to success.

Topics Discussed

Connect with Tony Colella Landscaping

Contact Tony Colella Landscaping

Connect with Mark Condon

Contact Mark Condon

About Boston’s Best

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

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

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