BusinessTalk

BusinessTalk

By BusinessWestBusiness
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BusinessTalk episodes

  • BusnessTalk with John DeVoie, co-founder of the Hot Table chain of panini restaurants

    John DeVoie is best known in this region as co-founder of the hugely successful Hot Table chain of panini restaurants. But he is also a driving force in another impactful venture. DeVoie and long-time friend and fellow veteran Jeff St. Jean launched Easy Company Brewing, which pays homage to the famed Band of Brothers made famous by the Stephen Ambrose book and HBO miniseries, while also donating all profits to selected agencies that assist veterans. On the next installment of BusinessTalk, contributing writer George O’Brien talks with DeVoie about this inspiring and powerful story that blends history, entrepreneurship, philanthropy … and beer. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

    21 min
  • BusinessTalk with Ashley Batlle, owner of Beauty Batlles Lounge in Chicopee

    Ashley Batlle wasn’t sure where she wanted to take her cosmetology

    degree 20 years ago, but she’s certainly found her place today as owner of Beauty Batlles Lounge in Chicopee, a cutting-edge spa that aims to build clients’ self-confidence by making them look and feel their best. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Ashley talks withBusinessWestEditor Joe Bednar about the growth of Beauty Batlles since its 2018 opening; its recent move to a larger space, allowing her to expand into more wellness services, including cryotherapy; and the many ways in which she uses her platform to support and uplift her community. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

    20 min
  • BusinessTalk with Local Entrepreneur Myke Connolly

    Myke Connolly says he learned marketing at age 9, reselling candy to

    classmates in the Bahamas. As an adult, his entrepreneurial spirit and
    belief in the value of hard work have led him into many ventures, from
    Stinky Cakes — which turned diapers into gifts for new parents — to a
    business training and networking entity called Marketing and Cupcakes,
    to a rolling electronic billboard called Stand Out Truck. On the next
    episode of BusinessTalk, Myke talks with BusinessWest Editor
    Joe Bednar about what’s next for his enterprises, how he’s been
    impacted by mentors and strives to do the same for other aspiring
    entrepreneurs, and much more. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

    27 min
  • BusinessTalk with owner of Ohana School of Performing Arts, Ashley Kohl

    It’s no wonder Ashley Kohl has adopted a philosophy of author Gabby Bernstein: “obstacles are detours in the right direction.” Because Ashley, the owner of Ohana School of Performing Arts, has encountered more than her fair share of obstacles. But by turning them into triumph, she’s created a growing space for people of all ages and abilities to discover dance — and themselves — in a safe, uplifting environment. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Ashley talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about her career journey, the importance of creating positive experiences through dance, and where Ohana is headed next. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

    24 min
  • BusinessTalk with Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan

    Since its launch almost a decade ago, Tech Foundry has trained hundreds of students and partnered with scores of employers across Western Mass. to get people trained for good IT careers and help businesses grow with local talent. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about how the organization continues to play a key role in the region’s high-tech ecosystem — and how its new partnership with Holyoke Community

    College, called Tech Hub, promises to help even more people navigate the digital world and improve their job prospects. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

    22 min
  • BusinessWest with Meg Talbert, Dakin Humane Society executive director

    During the first eight months of 2022, Dakin Humane Society cared for 1,830 animals. During the same eight months of 2023, the number was 3,007. In short, demand for Dakin’s services — which include spay/neuter and parvo clinics, pet food aid, a ‘kitten street team,’ pet-loss support groups, and much more — have, quite simply, exploded. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Dakin’s executive director, Meg Talbert, talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about how the Springfield-based nonprofit is meeting these needs with the help of a dedicated team, hundreds of volunteers, and individual and corporate generosity. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

    20 min
  • BusinessTalk with Maria Rivera, executive director at Hospice of the Fisher Home

    Hospice care has been a great source of comfort to individuals and

    families facing a difficult time of life, yet not everyone knows exactly
    what services are available and how they can access them. Maria Rivera
    has spent more than a decade guiding people through this process at
    Hospice of the Fisher Home, including the past three years as its
    executive director. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, she talks with BusinessWest Editor
    Joe Bednar about the importance of hospice care at a time when the
    population is aging, why this work is so personally gratifying to her,
    and why she’s excited about a capital campaign to raise funds to meet
    some critical needs. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented byBusinessWestand sponsored by PeoplesBank.

    18 min
  • BusinessTalk with Jody Hagemann, senior director of Sales Engineering for Comcast Business

    Everyone has heard of cybersecurity, but not every business knows

    exactly what it takes to keep them protected. The most effective
    defenses not only incorporate the latest technology, but emphasize
    employee education, training, and plain old common sense to reduce the chances of human error — which is a factor in far too many breaches. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Jody Hagemann, senior director of Sales Engineering for Comcast Business, talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about the multi-pronged strategy Comcast relates to its clients, why more companies are taking data threats seriously — and why
    they should. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

    20 min
  • BusinessTalk with Keith Fairey, president and CEO of Way Finders

    The housing crisis gripping Western Massachusetts and most of the Bay

    State has deep roots and a broad impact, affecting everything from
    homelessness in area communities to the region’s ability to effectively
    compete with other states and regions for talent and jobs. On the next
    episode of BusinessTalk, Keith Fairey, president and CEO of Way Finders,
    talks with writer George O’Brien about how we got here, how the crisis
    has impacted area communities, and how the region recovers from decades
    of underinvestment in new housing in nearly all
    categories. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk,
    a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

    21 min
  • BusinessTalk with Carl Mercieri, vice president of Marois Construction

    The 50th anniversary of any business is a notable milestone, and Marois

    Construction not only celebrated that achievement last year, but
    recorded one of its strongest years in memory. The firm’s work — in a
    variety of sectors, both public and private — continues steadily in
    2023, despite ongoing industry challenges ranging from inflation to
    supply uncertainty; from workforce shortages to a lot of wet weather in
    Western Mass. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Carl Mercieri, vice
    president of the South Hadley-based company, talks with BusinessWest Editor
    Joe Bednar about how Marois has navigated these challenges while
    continuing to make its mark on the region in its second
    half-century. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk,
    a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

    17 min

About BusinessTalk

From the publisher's feed

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.