Boston's Best – Détails, épisodes et analyse

A year ago, I shared my entrepreneurial journey. 

From working 30+ hours at Ace Hardware in High School and buying my own car at the age of 16, selling one of my businesses and buying my first home at the age of 23, and within the last several years of helping lead others in their journey to financial freedom, I’ve learned a lot of things along the way about how to create a strong business strategy and what it takes to build resilience and a solid mindset to keep me going. 

With these lessons in mind, I’ve been slowly chipping away at learning the ropes of launching a product, from concept and design to executing a physical product with opportunities to grow in the future. Now, I’m excited to share my new business venture, iPupPee. 

iPupPee is the ultimate pet product that gives your dog a voice and lets them tell you when they need to go out. Let your dog text you with the easy-to-use paw-shaped button and 24/7 live video feed, so you never miss a moment or a bathroom break again!

In honor of my boy, Champ, and the Kickstarter launch of iPupPee, Jonathan Krieger, former guest (Ep. 011) and Founder and Emperor of BoardGame Empire, takes the lead as Podcast Host. During our conversation, Jonathan interviewed me about how the original idea for iPupPee got started, how I’m keeping Champ’s spirit alive, the step-by-step process of launching a new product with 52Launch, and how to market your new business idea strategically. 

Topics Discussed:

• Launching a product - from concept to reality 

• Learning curves behind patents and product development

• The delicate process behind product inventory

• Balancing time management while operating multiple businesses (and family)

• How to get the best ROI vs. Organic Growth in a new industry

• What being a father has taught me about business and priorities

iPupPee PRESALE: https://presale.ipuppee.com/

Additional Resources:

Connect with Jonathan Krieger

• Website: https://www.playboardgameempire.com 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-krieger-151a1a3b/ 

Connect with 52Launch

• Call: 508-405-2605

• Email: info@52launch.com

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 Massachusetts.

Throughout the last two years of Boston's Best, I have interviewed over ninety-nine guests to find what sets their businesses apart from their competition. I've learned how they have risen above the inevitable challenges, what it takes to be an exceptional leader in any given industry, and what success means to them.

Now, in honor of Boston's Best 100th episode, I'm switching things up. To celebrate this milestone, Matt Ramey, Owner of Concept Properties and former guest (Ep. 055), takes the lead as Podcast Host as he interviews me about my entrepreneurial journey as a Financial Planner, Investment Educator, and Wealth Management Author.

Growing up in Stoughton, MA, I learned what it was like to have a hardworking mindset and an entrepreneurial spirit. From working 30+ hours at Ace Hardware in High School and buying my own car at the age of 16 to selling one of my businesses and buying my first home at the age of 23, I now help lead others in their journey to financial freedom.

As Matt and I discuss the importance of understanding your finances, I share why taking chances at a young age can be beneficial to building your future. I also share the hardest lessons I learned starting my financial business and why you should never wait until it's too late to focus on your financial future.

Topics Discussed:

• Why building trust with your clients takes time
• Understanding the long-term compound effect in interest and gains
• The importance of mentorship in any industry
• How taking a gap year can help guide you along following your passions
• Recognizing that goal-setting and levels of success change over time

Connect with Mark Condon, CPFA:

• Website: https://www.markcondon-cfg.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkCondonCFG
• Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/markuspatrick13
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markuspatrick13/
• LinkedIn:
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcondoncfg/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkCondonCFG
• Twitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/MarkCondon13
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOf5ZLs3NDyYLuwfFomdB-g/videos

Additional Resources:

• Ask Mark Condon (4 Book Series): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093R1XBSF?ref_=dbs_p_mng_rwt_ser_shvlr&storeType=ebooks
• Small Business Trendsetters: https://smallbusinesstrendsetters.com/financial-planner-mark-condon-reveals-methods-to-maximize-retirement-income/

Contact Mark Condon, CPFA:

• Address: Framingham, MA
• Call: 781-603-3202
• Email: MarkCondon@FinancialGuide.com

Connect with Boston's Best:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/

Did you know that over 90% of rum has added flavors, sweeteners, and spices? While most rum companies tend to shy away from quality ingredients to produce more, this week's guest is completely changing the game for the rum industry by getting back to its roots.

This week, I am joined by Andrew Cabot, Founder and CEO of Privateer Rum. Founded in 2010, Privateer Rum is a distillery located in Ipswich, MA, and prides itself as a True American Rum company. Establishing a new standard of rum, Privateer Rum disregards commonly accepted practices of larger rum producers, including adding sweeteners, flavors, filters, and spices, and instead focuses on honesty and purity, the True American way.

During our conversation, Andrew shares the importance of sourcing the best ingredients and why quality matters when serving customers. Andrew also talks in-depth about why transparency is essential to business.

When I asked about Andrew's biggest piece of advice, "Take the teacher, not the course," he stated that at the end of the day, you get more out of the teacher than a book someone else wrote.

Topics Discussed:

• The artistic process behind creating the finest, top-tier rum
• Why "more" booze doesn't always mean quality production
• How to take something great and make it better
• The history behind the rum and whiskey industry
• Sticking true to your vision and integrity

Connect with Privateer Rum:

• Website: https://privateerrum.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrivateerRum
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/privateerrum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cabot-24a6ba/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrivateerRum

Additional Resources:

• Rum Revelations: https://www.rumrevelations.com/post/privateer-rum-distiller-s-drawer-review-9-21-31

Contact Privateer Rum:

• Address: 11 Brady Dr, Ipswich, MA 01938
• Call: 978-356-0477
• Email: andrew@privateerrum.com

Connect with Mark Condon:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/

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.

Have you ever wondered what sets companies apart from their competitors? With a wide variety of organizations, it can often feel daunting trying to find the best company to collaborate and partner with. You may be asking yourself how you can level up in our own company to better serve your clients.

Our guest this week, Patrick Tobiasson, is an Insurance Advisor & Managing Partner at Dolan and Maloney Insurance Agency, LLC. With more than 15,000 insurance agents in Massachusetts, Patrick is no stranger to professional competition. However, as Patrick is one of only 611 Licensed Insurance Advisors in the state, we begin to find his company’s competitive edge.

Through his humble beginnings from selling worms and bailing hay as a teenager to spending 6 years in the Air Force working as an electrician on F-16C Fighter Jets, Patrick shares how he found his way as an insurance advisor and how he eventually bought Dolan & Maloney from his father-in-law. Patrick’s honesty and integrity have been the driving force for how he shows up in both the workplace as well as he shows up for his wife and family.

Topics Discussed:

• The importance of a Growth Mindset and focusing on positivity
  
• Benefits of working with a personalized insurance agency
  
• How COVID-19 has positively impacted Patrick both personally & professionally
  
• The key to maintaining healthy relationships with a referral based business
  
• The ups, downs, and driving force behind staying committed for 13 years
  
• The biggest misconceptions of the insurance industry
  
• What we can learn from Patrick as he defines his own level of success
  

Connect with Patrick Tobiasson

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.tobiasson
  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tobiasson-lia-aai-m-clcs-cpia-996b034/
  

Connect with Mark Condon

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBMWPodcast/
  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbmw_podcast/
  
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoFEPYtTyJ8BMKyYwLd2xzQ/featured?view_as=subscriber
  

About Boston’s Best of MetroWest

“Highlighting successful business in the MetroWest area of Massachusetts.”

Go behind the scenes with financial planner, Mark Condon, as he asks industry leading experts in the metrowest area of Massachusetts to talk about their businesses.

Through each episode, Mark will find out 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.

Are you a small business owner looking to invest in brand photos for your latest product launch? Are you an influencer looking to build your next course and need new headshots? Or are you recently engaged and looking to book your wedding videographer? Then this episode is for you.

This week, I am joined by Sol Arnal, Owner of Sol Arnal Photo & Video, located in Wrentham, MA. Sol Arnal Photography offers an array of Commercial Photo + Video packages for businesses, including Interior Design, Architectural, Brand, Product, and Social Media Content. They also offer Personal Photo + Video, including Family, Maternity, Newborn, Wedding, and Events.

During our conversation, Sol shares her passion for helping corporate businesses promote their products for eCommerce and her love for assisting clients in capturing their most significant milestones.

Be sure to listen in as Mark and Sol discuss what it's like navigating through different levels of success and why it's okay to change direction in our industry. And don't forget! You can get 20% off your first package through Sol Arnal Photo & Video simply by mentioning Boston's Best. Now that's a deal you won't want to miss!

Topics Discussed:

• Expanding your horizon to find opportunities for growth
• The importance of efficient time management as a business owner
• Why reliving moments through video is priceless
• Not being afraid to change and evolve in your business

Connect with Sol Arnal Photography:

• Website: https://solarnal.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solarnalphotography/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solarnal/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonsolesarnal/

Additional Resources:

• The Knot: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/sol-arnal-boston-ma-980433
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sol-arnal-wrentham-3

Contact Sol Arnal Photography:

• Call: 857-207-6577
• Email: solarnalphotography@gmail.com

Connect with Mark Condon:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/

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 joined by Rob Garvey, Owner of Heritage Smart Technologies, located in Norfolk, MA. Heritage Smart Technologies provides affordable tech solutions for your home or business, creating a more accessible, more enjoyable living space. Specializing in home automation, lighting, home theater, audio, and surveillance, Heritage Smart Technologies can create the oasis you've always dreamed of in the comfort of your own home or office.

During our conversation, Rob shares how he fell in love with audiovisual technologies at an early age and how he was always drawn to technology solutions to make his music sound better and his life more enjoyable during high school. Now, years later, Rob shares this passion with others by providing his clients with the latest technology trends. We also discuss the importance of giving back to your local community and why you can't put a dollar amount behind success.

Topics Discussed:

• The learning curve in the audio and visual industry
• Pushing outside of your comfort zone in marketing
• The power of networking with other small businesses
• Misconceptions behind "fixing" electronics

Connect with Heritage Smart Technologies:

• Website: https://www.heritagesmart.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heritagesmarttech
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heritagesmarttechnologies/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-garvey-84a0a046/

Additional Resources:

• Home Advisor: https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.appliancepro2u.113814795.html

Contact Heritage Smart Technologies:

• Call: 508-570-6746
• Email: rob@heritagesmart.com
• Address: 4 Mill River Rd, Norfolk, MA 02056

Connect with Mark Condon:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/

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.

Are you on the hunt for that perfect conversation piece for your next dinner party with friends? Need to add a pop of color to your office space to spruce up your zoom calls? Or are you looking for a one-of-a-kind, handwoven basket for your newly installed guest bedroom? Then you'll love this week's guest of Boston's Best!

This week, I am joined by Melissa McCray, Owner of Two Webster. Two Webster is a home and decorative accessories shop located in Osterville, MA, specializing in unique and custom-made home goods from around the world. Featured pieces include ceramic pitchers from Greece, chain stitch pillows from Kashmir, and birchwood veneer trays from Sweden.

During our conversation, Melissa shares how Two Webster got started with the help of her friend, Kiki, and the "why" behind finding creative and innovative home goods. We also discuss how the global pandemic shifted the business and what Melissa dreams of for the future of Two Webster.

Topics Discussed:

• Challenges faced behind branding and finding unique inventory
• An inside look behind finding one-of-a-kind handmade pieces
• The first piece of advice behind starting a new business
• Why referrals and repeat customers are the biggest compliments

Connect with Two Webster:

• Website: https://twowebster.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twowebster
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twowebster/
• Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/mgmccray/

Contact Two Webster:

• Email: info@twowebster.com
• Address: 835 Main St, Osterville, MA 02655

Connect with Mark Condon:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/

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 stretching is something that most of us know we should implement,  very few follow through. Many of us often skip stretching after an intense workout, but stretching is key to restoring our tired muscles.

This week, I am joined by Charles Arakelian and Shannon Lundy. Charles is the Owner of Stretch Zone in Wayland, MA, where Shannon is also the General Manager. Charles is also the Owner of Chucks Buckets, a line of hats repped by major sports players. Stretch Zone offers practitioner-assisted stretching utilizing patented equipment to position and stabilizes muscles, allowing long-lasting results.

During our conversation, Charles and Shannon share the many benefits of stretching, such as increased blood flow and muscle recovery, as well as improving sleep. We also discuss the major differences in stretching on your own versus coming in and having the stretching done for you.

Topics Discussed:

• Why stretching before and after a workout is vital for muscle strength
• The importance of networking with local businesses
• Dispelling myths and misconceptions behind stretching
• Utilizing the S.W.O.T. analysis when starting a business

Connect with Stretch Zone:

• Website: https://www.stretchzone.com/locations/wayland/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-arakelian-ii-435392b8/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stretch-Zone-Wayland-100265659027495/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretchzone_wayland/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/StretchZoneUSA

Connect with Chucks Buckets:

• Email: chucksbuckets@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.chucksbuckets.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chucksbuckets/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chucksbuckets/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChucksBuckets

Contact Stretch Zone:

• Call: 617-360-7004
• Email: wayland@stretchzone.com
• Address: 75 Andrew Ave, Wayland, MA 01778

Connect with Mark Condon:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/

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.

Did you know that over 250,000 tons of textile waste are produced each year in Massachusetts alone? That’s 10x the weight of The Statue of Liberty! While this number is outrageously high, my guest this week is on a mission to change the trajectory of repurposing textiles.

I am joined by Mary Dimouro, Founder and Creator of On The Road Again Bags, LLC®. As a child, Mary learned how to sew from her mother, a well-known seamstress, and she always helped her with projects growing up. Now, On The Road Again Bags, founded in 2018, focuses on repurposing old materials and leftover scraps from the boating and trucking industry. Mary uses "deadstock," materials such as durable mesh, water-resistant fabric, and grommets, sitting in warehouses waiting to go to landfills to reuse and repurpose rather than using new materials.

During our conversation, Mary shares the importance of managing a healthy work-life balance and why practicing good time management is a vital skill set for any business owner. We also discuss the importance of practicing self-care and finding time to be in the present moment to avoid potential burnout.

Topics Discussed:

• The Dual-Purpose behind the name and brand
• Understanding demographics in your industry
• Acknowledging your accomplishments
• Pushing past your comfort zone

Connect with On The Road Again Bags:

• Website: https://www.ontheroadagainbags.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ontheroadagainbags
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontheroadagain_official/

Additional Resources:

• Boston Voyager: http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-mary-dimouro-road-hudson-clinton-ma/

Contact On The Road Again Bags:

• Call: 978-302-7634
• Email: hello@ontheroadagainbags.com
• Address: 98 Sterling St, Clinton, MA 01510

Connect with Mark Condon:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonsBestPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonsbest_podcast/

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.