Start Here

By VCET

Featuring Vermont’s most influential business leaders, Start Here bridges the gap between entertainment and inspiration by presenting the unfiltered stories of today’s top innovators. Everybody starts... more

· Technology

4.4

3838 ratings

FAQs about Start Here:

How many episodes does Start Here have?

The podcast currently has 112 episodes available.

Start Here episodes:

April 16, 2026 Kevin LeSage / SearchLight
If there’s an entrepreneur to watch right now, it’s Kevin LeSage. He’s the founder of SearchLight, an analytics platform bringing a clear, unbiased view to return on ad spend and showing contractors which leads actually turn into booked jobs. He’s taken a different path to get here, choosing to learn inside other businesses before building his own. From marketing and corporate sales to business development and a family business foundation, Kevin brings a wide-angle view to what it takes to grow something that lasts. No matter your industry or stage, this episode is a reminder to stay close to the work, trust the data, and keep building with an expert team.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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30min
April 02, 2026 Jason Levinthal / J Skis
Jason “J” Levinthal started making skis in his parents' garage at the age of 24. After founding a company, seeing it acquired, and realizing he wasn’t built to sit still, he launched J Skis, a direct-to-skier brand creating hand-crafted, limited-edition skis. With a background in brand marketing, J’s goal is to turn heads on the mountain and beyond, from brand partnerships to collaborations with musicians. He’s been through nearly every lesson that shapes a founder. Tune in, clip in, strap in. No matter how you ride, lock in.
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46min
March 19, 2026 Jason Wilbur / WILBUR
Jason Wilbur is the founder of Wilbur, a luxury watch company. He joins the show to talk about what it really takes to break from the expected and build something entirely your own. After leading advanced design at Honda, Jason walked away to create what he calls “mechanized art”— a bold reimagining of luxury rooted in craftsmanship, rebellion, and individuality. Inspired by the counterculture of snowboarding and skateboarding, he shares a candid look at building a brand with edge, navigating the realities of high-cost hardware innovation, and embracing the “creative survival” mindset required to keep going. Don’t skip this one.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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51min
March 05, 2026 Julie Jatlow / Fuse
Julie Jatlow is truly a queen. She is one of the owners of Fuse, a teen and young adult marketing agency helping brands reach the younger generation. Julie explains everything from working with the world’s biggest brands to strategies centered on youth culture, sports, and experiential marketing. There are so many good tips and stories in here. Take notes!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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49min
February 19, 2026 Chelsea Bardot Lewis / VBSR

We sat down with our friend Chelsea Bardot Lewis, the Executive Director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR). She’s steering VBSR into its next chapter by doubling down on in-person connection, pragmatic advocacy around housing, healthcare, workforce, and climate resilience, and building a stronger, more generous Vermont business ecosystem! We loved hearing her passion for the workforce in this state. This is one that e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e should listen to.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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36min
January 15, 2026 David Aronoff / MCJ
We sat down with our dear friend David Aronoff, managing partner at MCJ, one of the leading early-stage climate tech venture funds. David brings decades of venture experience, from building rocketship startups to investing at top firms like Greylock and Flybridge. What sets MCJ apart is its unconventional approach: no board seats, no led rounds, just relentless focus on portfolio support powered by a massive community of talent. With deep roots in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, a passion for durable companies, and a clear-eyed view on everything from AI bubbles to Vermont’s innovation ecosystem, David offers sharp insights for founders, investors, and anyone serious about climate solutions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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43min
December 02, 2025 Sam Holland / Informal
Today, we sit down with our friend Sam Holland, co-founder of Informal. Sam is a hardware builder at his core, but has a rare talent for making it feel inviting to all. He’s built everything from brain scanners to burrito holders, and brings that same creativity to the meetups he hosts. He also brings a healthy dose of humor to every conversation. If you’re exploring hardware or considering launching a hardware company…or oblivious to it all and want to give it a try, this episode is a great place to start.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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38min
November 04, 2025 Phil Beauregard / Impellent Ventures
With a background that spans startups, exits, and investing, Phil Beauregard brings raw energy, humility, and a deep belief that world-changing ideas can come from anywhere. He’s an Ivy League grad, ex-investment banker, and serial entrepreneur. Now, managing partner at Impellent Ventures, Phil and his team focus on uncovering the next unicorns in emerging regions, from overlooked cities to unexpected founders. This is one you don't want to miss.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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48min
October 01, 2025 Adam Farmer / The Farmer Companies
Adam Farmer is the CEO of The Farmer Companies. Also known as the team behind Cabot Mac & Cheese, Nathan’s Beef Sticks, and Guinness Pretzel Pieces. He joins Start Here to talk about scaling in the food space, striking smart partnerships, and what it really takes to get snacks on shelves everywhere. If CPG is your thing, you gotta tune in.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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56min
August 28, 2025 Tom Messner
You probably know him well. Whether from NBC5, the Lake Monsters field, or VT Startup News, Tom Messner is (smiling) everywhere. In this episode of Start Here, we explore his passion for Vermont’s entrepreneurial scene, his commitment to investing locally, and even unravel the mystery of weather balloons.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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42min

FAQs about Start Here:

How many episodes does Start Here have?

The podcast currently has 112 episodes available.

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Start Here

FAQs about Start Here:

How many episodes does Start Here have?

Start Here episodes:

FAQs about Start Here:

How many episodes does Start Here have?

More shows like Start Here

Football Weekly

Pod Save America

The Daily