UpFront

UpFront with John Lyman

Executive Vice President, Lyman Orchards

If you’re from Connecticut, you’ve probably heard of Lyman Orchards. They’re famous for their apple pies, but if you make your way to Middlefield, you’ll be amazed at the sprawling property that is more than 1,100 acres of scenic farmland. And it’s much more than their delicious pies. There’s the Apple Barrel farm market, three world-class golf courses, pick your own in the orchards, the 1741 Pub and Grill and much more.

Founded in 1741, Lyman Orchards is one of Connecticut’s and the country’s oldest continually run family businesses. John Lyman the 3rd is the executive vice president of Lyman Orchards and is a member of the eighth generation of the Lyman family that has been farming in Middlefield since 1741. Join us for an UpFront conversation on leadership, the importance of planning and the wholesome family values his parents instilled in him.

www.lymanorchards.com

www.facebook.com/lymanorchards

www.instagram.com/lymanorchards

www.lymangolf.com

About Mason:

www.mason23.com

www.twitter.com/mason_inc

www.linkedin.com/company/mason-inc

UpFront with Nathan Grube

Tournament Director, Travelers Championship

If you love golf, then chances are you probably know the Travelers Championship. The tournament attracts an incredible player field with some of the biggest names in the game and it gives back millions to charitable causes throughout Connecticut. There's the on course action with the best players in the world. And then there's the off course fun in the fan zone with all kinds of activities for families and kids.

So what does it take to put on a PGA Tour event? And who's the team behind it? Meet Nathan Grube. He's been the Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship since 2005. During this time the tournament has generated more than $20 million for charity and has been recognized by the PGA TOUR for numerous awards, including being named "Tournament of the Year" in 2017.

In this episode we talk about playing baseball in San Diego, his time as a professional golfer, why he has no regrets and where the tournament is headed. Tee up and let's get UpFront with Nathan Grube.

www.travelerschampionship.com

www.facebook.com/travelerschampionship

www.instagram.com/travelerschamp

www.twitter.com/travelerschamp

About Mason:

www.mason23.com

www.twitter.com/mason_inc

www.linkedin.com/company/mason-inc

UpFront with Cindi Bigelow

President and CEO, Bigelow Tea

If you enjoy tea, then chances are you know the Bigelow Tea name. Cindi Bigelow is the third-generation president and CEO of family-owned Bigelow Tea, the U.S. market leader of specialty teas that produces more than 2 billion tea bags annually. On this episode Cindi shares her childhood memories of tea tasting in the family kitchen, her ambition to one day run the company and memories of her grandmother Ruth Bigelow who founded the business in her New York City apartment.

Cindi’s inspiring story gives us an inside view of what it’s like to run a family business, the challenging lessons learned throughout her career and why fluidity makes great leaders. Sit back, brew your favorite cup of Bigelow Tea and enjoy an UpFront conversation with Cindi Bigelow.

UpFront is a monthly podcast that features Connecticut-based top performers in their respective field and how they are making a positive impact in their industry and community. Hosted by Derek Beere from Mason, the show takes a deep dive into how our guests achieved success and more insights into the person.

www.bigelowtea.com

www.facebook.com/bigelowtea

www.instagram.com/bigelowtea

www.twitter.com/bigelowtea

About Mason:

www.mason23.com

www.twitter.com/mason_inc

www.linkedin.com/company/mason-inc

UpFront with Richard Rosenthal

President and Founder, Max Restaurant Group

The name Max is synonymous with restaurant excellence in Connecticut. The food, service and overall experience is exceptional and it's what keeps people coming back time and time again.

From his first restaurant job at McDonald's to getting an education in the kitchens of Connecticut, New York City and Newport, Richard opened his first restaurant "Max on Main" in 1986 in Hartford, Connecticut and hasn't looked back since.

Today the Max Restaurant Group has 10 successful independent restaurants, as well as a respected catering company, all based in the Greater Hartford area. Richard shares his inspiring story of what he learned in the New York City restaurant scene instead of the classrooms, why great leaders build incredible teams and how the restaurant industry will survive the pandemic.

UpFront is a monthly podcast that features Connecticut-based top performers in their respective field and how they are making a positive impact in their industry and community. Hosted by Derek Beere from Mason, the show takes a deep dive into how our guests achieved success and more insights into the person.

www.maxrestaurantgroup.com

About Mason:

www.mason23.com

www.twitter.com/mason_inc

www.linkedin.com/company/mason-inc

UpFront with Jason Jakubowski

CEO, Connecticut Foodshare

From his childhood aspirations of wanting to become a lawyer to now running the largest food bank in Connecticut, Jason shares his story of growing up in New Britain, lessons he's learned from baseball and what makes a great leader. Above all else, we talk about the important work and challenges of solving hunger in Connecticut.

UpFront is a monthly podcast that features Connecticut-based top performers in their respective field and how they are making a positive impact in their industry and community. Hosted by Derek Beere from Mason, the show takes a deep dive into how our guests achieved success and more insights into the person.

About Jason Jakubowski:

Jason Jakubowski is the CEO of Foodshare/Connecticut Food Bank, which makes it the largest non-profit organization serving the needs of Connecticut’s food insecure. Jason also has more than 15 years of experience in public health, public affairs, nonprofit leadership, and community relations. He’s worked with Connecticut based companies such as Hospital for Special Care, Charter Oak State College, has been elected twice to the New Britain City Council, served as City Treasurer, and has taught political science at Central Connecticut State University. He also serves as Chairman of the Board at Leadership Greater Hartford and has board experience with Community Health Resources in Windsor, the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and was on the transition team for Governor Malloy among other things.

www.ctfoodshare.org

twitter.com/jayjakubowsk

About Mason:

www.mason23.com

www.twitter.com/mason_inc

www.linkedin.com/company/mason-inc