Vermonters In Business

In this episode of Vermonters in Business, co-hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer sit down with Hallie Warner, founder of Founder & Force Multiplier, to discuss leadership, executive support, AI, and what it takes to help entrepreneurs scale.

Hallie shares her journey from growing up in a Coast Guard family to spending more than a decade as Chief of Staff to entrepreneur Adam Hergenrother. She explains why she acquired the Founder & Force Multiplier brand, how she's helping leaders through fractional Chief of Staff services, coaching executive assistants and chiefs of staff, and guiding aspiring authors through the book-writing process.

The conversation explores when business owners should hire an executive assistant, why leadership is a skill that can be developed, how AI is reshaping real estate and knowledge work, and why human relationships will remain the competitive advantage in an increasingly automated world.

In this episode:

• Hallie's path to becoming a Chief of Staff

• What a "Force Multiplier" really is

• The value of executive assistants and Chiefs of Staff

• Book coaching and creating a winning book blueprint

• AI's impact on real estate and professional services

• Can leadership be learned?

• Passion vs. skill when building a career

• Hallie's favorite business book and guest recommendations

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome
01:29 Meet Hallie Warner
03:50 Founder & Force Multiplier
06:02 Building a Book Blueprint
12:12 The Future of AI in Real Estate
15:06 AI and the Insurance Industry
16:45 Can Leadership Be Learned?
19:10 Passion vs. Skillset
22:13 What Is a Force Multiplier?
25:49 Hallie's Five-Year Vision
26:36 Favorite Book Recommendation
27:34 Guest Recommendations & Wrap-Up

Co-hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer welcome Kate Robinson, founder of Wild Birch Design, to the podcast. Kate shares her journey from upstate New York to Vermont, a move inspired by her family’s search for more inclusive educational opportunities for her brother with cerebral palsy.

In the Vermonter Hot Seat, Kate reveals some of her Vermont favorites—from waffles with Baird Farm maple syrup and summer days on Lake Dunmore to meals at Crooked Ram and a maple-strawberry creamy from Canteen Creemee Company.

Kate discusses the launch of Wild Birch Design in 2020 and her transition from healthcare into the world of hospitality, interior design, and landscape horticulture. She explains how thoughtful design influences the way people experience spaces and why creating authentic, memorable environments is more important than ever for vacation rentals, event venues, and boutique hotels.

The conversation explores branding unique properties, avoiding trendy design mistakes, building local partnerships, balancing aesthetics with durability and accessibility, and making strategic improvements that deliver a return on investment. Kate also shares insights on entrepreneurship, finding community in Vermont, and how guest expectations have evolved toward more experience-driven stays.

Episode Highlights

• Why Kate moved to Vermont
• The story behind Wild Birch Design
• Designing spaces that create memorable guest experiences
• Branding vacation rentals, venues, and boutique hospitality properties
• Avoiding gimmicks and design trends that don't last
• Prioritizing accessibility, durability, and functionality
• Making smart upgrades with ROI in mind

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to the Show
01:26 Meet Kate Robinson
02:44 Vermonter Hot Seat
04:57 Wild Birch Origin Story
17:47 Starting the Business
18:49 Finding Your Community
20:52 Branding Unique Venues
23:21 Avoiding Gimmicky Decor
24:18 Handling Difficult Clients
27:27 Budgeting for ROI Upgrades
29:47 Recommendations and Wrap-Up

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Cohen, owner of Fiddlehead Brewing Company. Matt shares the story of how he got started the lessons he's picked up along the way, and what's next for the business.Whether you're a fellow entrepreneur, a curious Vermonter, or just someone who loves a good business story, we think you'll find something to take away from this one.

If you enjoy the conversation, please like this video and subscribe. It genuinely helps us bring more Vermont stories to the channel. Hit the bell so you don't miss the next episode.Thanks for watching, and thanks for supporting Vermont business.

The Vermont Doula Company on Birth, Postpartum Support & Building Vermont’s Only Doula AgencyCo-hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer welcome Mary Kate and Haley from the Vermont Doula Company to discuss their paths to Vermont, their work as birth and postpartum doulas, and what doulas do as non-medical professionals providing physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. They explain common myths—such as doulas being only for unmedicated births or confusing doulas with midwives—and describe how support can range from days to months, sometimes longer. The founders share how Island Doula grew into the Vermont Doula Company, now in its fifth year with 12–15 team members, offering birth, postpartum, education, and in-house massage. They highlight their employee-based model, team/partner approach for continuity, leadership growth, challenges like staffing sustainability and burnout, and future goals including training, a podcast, consulting, and improving access to doula care.00:00 Show Welcome00:41 Hot Take Healthcare01:20 Meet The Guests01:47 Haley Vermont Journey02:54 Vermonter Hot Seat06:18 Vermont Doula Origin09:39 What Is A Doula12:24 Postpartum Support Gap14:23 Who Needs A Doula16:31 Doula Myths Busted17:58 Hands On Doula Support19:12 Holistic Care And Referrals19:53 Employee Based Agency Model20:56 Two Doula Team Approach22:59 Growing As Leaders24:40 Lessons And Hard Years27:16 Staffing And Burnout28:48 Boundaries And Debriefs30:34 Repeat Clients And Business Reality32:47 Future Plans And Training35:39 Guest Suggestions And Wrap Up

Join us for a conversation with Molly Mitchell, Founder and Artistic Director of Stowe Children's Theatre, LLC. Originally from Pocatello, Idaho and now based in Stowe, Vermont, Molly has dedicated her career to creating meaningful theatre experiences for young performers.In this episode, Molly shares:Her journey to founding Stowe Children's TheatreRecently earning her Master's Degree in Education with an endorsement in Theatre Arts — a long-held personal dreamA behind-the-scenes look at Stowe Children's Theatre's summer programsA special spotlight on the high school production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"Why theatre arts education matters for kids and teensWhether you're a parent, educator, young performer, or theatre lover, you won't want to miss Molly's passion for the stage and the next generation of storytellers.📍 Learn more about Stowe Children's Theatre:🌐 Website: www.stowechildrenstheatre.com📧 Email: [email protected]📞 Phone: (802) 730-4158📮 731 Worcester Loop Rd, Stowe, VT 05672#StoweChildrensTheatre #YouthTheatre #VermontArts #TheatreEducation #YoureAGoodManCharlieBrown #CommunityTheatre #ArtsEducation

Co-hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer welcome Valerie, owner of the Jericho Country Store, and discuss her path from running a bed and breakfast to buying Vermont’s oldest continuously operating country store (opened in 1807). Valerie describes what the store offers—deli sandwiches, grill items, creemees, gifts, groceries, beverages, beer and natural wines, and gas—and emphasizes her role as a steward for the community. They cover seasonality, competition with larger chains, staffing challenges, rising costs, and the complexities of managing aging gas pumps and tanks, including required training and upfront fuel purchases. Valerie shares updates she’s made to refresh and reorganize the historic space, notes the impact of the post office leaving in 2024, and outlines plans for more community events, catering, and prepared dinners.00:00 Show Welcome02:39 Finding Vermont08:15 Buying The Store13:48 Must Try Items24:34 Lessons Learned and Advice28:09 Avoiding Burnout28:41 Support Local Stores28:51 Guest Suggestions Wrap29:35 Final Thanks Outro

In this episode of Vermonters in Business, we sit down with Charlotte Steverson, Co-Owner of Kestrel Coffee Roasters, a Vermont-grown coffee brand known for meticulous sourcing, exceptional hospitality, and a fiercely people-first approach to service.Originally from White Plains, NY and now based in South Burlington, Charlotte brings a rare dual perspective to business leadership. For the past seven years, she has balanced co-running Kestrel with her ongoing part-time work at Spectrum Youth & Family Services—an experience she credits with shaping her empathy, management style, and commitment to building a workplace where staff feel genuinely supported.Charlotte shares Kestrel’s philosophy on hospitality, why their cafés don’t accept tips (including their new airport location opening soon), and how that policy ties into dignity, consistency, and culture. She also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes work of scaling a mission-driven beverage brand while staying rooted in Vermont values.Connect with Charlotte:Website: www.kestrelcoffees.com

In this episode of Vermonters in Business, hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer sit down with John Tapper, CEO of All Learners Network, to discuss revolutionary changes in math education. John shares insights on how traditional math teaching methods are being replaced with strategies that emphasize understanding and problem-solving. The discussion also explores the role of parents, technology, and systemic changes needed to improve math outcomes. John answers rapid-fire questions about his Vermont preferences and provides a compelling look at the educational landscape's future challenges and opportunities. Don't miss this engaging conversation on transforming math education!00:00 Introduction to Vermont Tourism In Business05:34 Challenges and Innovations in Math Education12:13 The Role of Games in Math Learning15:10 Challenges in Modern Math Education16:18 Parental Influence on Math Curriculum17:28 The Role of Technology in Math Learning19:06 Future of Math Education and Federal Changes20:05 Equity and Inclusion in Math Education21:31 Engaging Parents and Overcoming Resistance27:13 Systemic Changes and Teacher Training30:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Colleen Palmer, co-owner of Palmer Lane Maple in Jericho, Vermont. Colleen is the creative force behind the maple candy making, bringing passion for cooking, storytelling through food, and decades of experience living and working in Vermont.From maple candy to their beloved creemee trucks, Palmer Lane Maple is more than a business, it’s a family tradition. Colleen shares how she and her family have grown the business with their two daughters leading catering, social media, and driving the iconic creemee trucks to weddings, graduations, and community celebrations across Vermont.We cover:🍁 The craft of maple candy making and the artistry behind it👩‍👧‍👧 How family drives the business and keeps traditions alive🚚 The story of Palmer Lane’s creemee trucks and their role in Vermont celebrations🌲 The importance of community, sustainability, and small business in Vermont agriculture📖 Colleen’s journey from growing up “everywhere” as a military brat to planting roots in Vermont for over 30 yearsIf you love maple, family business stories, or want a taste of what makes Vermont culture so special, this episode is packed with warmth, tradition, and insights you won’t want to miss.🔗 Learn more: www.palmerlanemaple.com

In this episode, we sit down with David Lane, owner of Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery, Vermont’s first vineyard located in beautiful South Hero, VT. David is a second-generation farmer continuing his family’s legacy—living in the house he grew up in while leading Snow Farm into its 28th year of producing award-winning Vermont wines and now expanding into craft spirits.We cover:🌱 The realities of agriculture in Vermont and the future of family farming🍷 The story behind Vermont’s first vineyard and how Snow Farm built its legacy💼 Challenges and insights from running a small business in a rural community🌍 Why sustainability is central to winemaking and farming at Snow Farm🤝 How vineyards strengthen local culture, tourism, and community connectionIf you’re passionate about wine, farming, sustainability, or small business entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insights and stories you won’t want to miss.🔗 Learn more: www.snowfarm.com📌 Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-lane-88a13825/