
Down To Business
By NH Business Review


Formulating a Strategic Advantage
Standex International CEO David Dunbar chats with NH Business Review editors on how the company continues to drive innovation in the fields of electronics, engraving, specialty technologies and scientific refrigeration. Discussion touches on business culture, how to scale the company on a local and global scale, advice for future industry leaders and much more.
This episode of NH Business Review's Down to Business podcast is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental. What the power of more can do to provide the right dental coverage for your business and your employees. Discover more at nedelta.com.

Cultivating Leaders in NH
Sojourn Partners' executive coaches Russ Ouellette and Kristi Baxter chat with NH Business Review editors about the organization's Emerging Leaders program, and how they've helped build business leaders for businesses of today and tomorrow.
This episode of NH Business Review's Down to Business podcast is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental. What the power of more can do to provide the right dental coverage for your business and your employees. Discover more at nedelta.com.

Honored on a National Scale
Northeast Delta Dental President & CEO Tom Raffio discusses the recent recognition the company received with the Baldrige Performance Excellence Award, which highlights the organization's commitment to quality, service and innovation. Discussion revolves around the rigorous process involved with the award nomination, and how NEDD's services and initiatives lent to receiving the honor.
This episode of NH Business Review's Down to Business podcast is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental. What the power of more can do to provide the right dental coverage for your business and your employees. Discover more at nedelta.com.

Where Education and Economy Collide
This week's guest is Mica Stark, president & CEO for the NH College & University Council, a nonprofit consortium of colleges and universities that collaborate to expand education opportunities across the state. Discussion touches on workforce development in NH, federal funding cuts to education, plus golf and community collaboration.
This episode of NH Business Review's Down to Business podcast is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental. What the power of more can do to provide the right dental coverage for your business and your employees. Discover more at nedelta.com.

Civics 101 with Citizens Count's Anna Brown
Citizens Count Executive Director Anna Brown chats with NH Business Review editors Mike Cote and Amanda Andrews on civics education and legislation currently moving through the state house.
This episode of NH Business Review's Down to Business podcast is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental. What the power of more can do to provide the right dental coverage for your business and your employees. Discover more at nedelta.com.

Media Literacy for the Next Generation
Heather Inyart, executive director for Media Power Youth, shares insight into how the nonprofit provides educational tools for students and their teachers and parents on how to creatively navigate the media landscape in today's tech-centric world. From AI to community initiatives, Inyart discusses how the Manchester-based nonprofit helps prepare young adults for the next generation of creative media education.
This episode of NH Business Review's Down to Business podcast is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental. What the power of more can do to provide the right dental coverage for your business and your employees. Discover more at nedelta.com.

Embracing Community
This week's guest is Matt Cordaro, CEO of the nonprofit One Sky Community Services, a network of support for individuals with developmental disabilities or acquired brain disorders. Discussion ranges from independent living to housing challenges the underserved face.
This episode is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental. What the power of more can do to provide the right dentalcoverage for your business and your employees. Discover more at nedelta.com.

Always Here to Get You There
Paul Sullivan, VP of Marketing for Sullivan Tire, discusses the legacy of the company and how its history guides the future of Sullivan tire.

The Family Business
Michelline Dufort, executive director at The UNH CEO & Family Enterprise Center, discusses the center's programs and peer groups, and how family enterprises can utilize its resources to effect growth in their businesses.

Shaping Young Minds for 25 Years
Denise Thompkins, owner of Sylvan Learning, discusses the evolution of the company, including educational trends, challenges faced, and plans for the future.

Aiding Medically Underserved Communities
This week's guest is Thomas Johnson, the Executive Director of The Alliance to Save America’s 340B Program: a federal program designed to help nonprofit hospital systems provide patients in medically underserved communities with more affordable care.
Johnson lends insights into the health care industry regarding hospital consolidation, prescription drug costs, Medicaid challenges and more.

Smooth Operations at Cannon Mountain
The new general manager of Cannon Mountain, Jace Wirth, chats with NHBR editors about his new role, his history with ski racing around the world, and how his team maneuvered the rescue of 64 skiers off a broken-down ski lift.



100-Year Legacy of Grappone Automotive
As the fourth-generation steward of Grappone Automotive, Amanda Grappone Osmer has published a book, "Grappone Automotive: The Founding," to share the story of how two Italian families started a longstanding company in New Hampshire.
Discussion also includes the success of Bring Back the Trades and Tradeapalooza 2024 event, Osmer's journey into the family business, and how she cultivates lasting relationships in her communities.

The Next Generation of StayWorkPlay
NH Business Review editors Mike Cote and Amanda Andrews sit down with StayWorkPlay's new executive director, Corinne Benfield. Discussion focuses on her goals in her new post for the nonprofit, plus growth opportunities, housing, child care and more.

Sweet Succession
Earlier this month, former president & CEO of Granite United Way Patrick Tufts passed the reins to Nichole Martin Reimer, most recently the nonprofit's chief engagement officer.
Both leaders spoke with NH Business Review Managing Editor Amanda Andrews on the organization's succession strategy and how Nichole is gearing up to usher Granite United Way into the new year, with a renewed focus on the next generation.

Economic Outlook for Small Businesses
This week's guest is Ken Entenmann, chief investment officer and chief economist for NBT Bank, who shares insights into current economic trends and his outlook for startups and small businesses.
Topics range from workforce and housing challenges to interest rates, capital investment trends and more.

233 Years of Tradition
This week, we talk with editors from the Old Farmer's Almanac about its history and growth over 233 years in print, including what's in store for the 2025 edition.
Editor in chief Carol Connare and managing editor Sarah Perreault join NHBR Editors Amanda Andrews and Mike Cote for a lively talk of e-commerce, gardening trends, and even how to make fairy butter.

EP. 209: Health Care Transparency
This week's guest is Haley Director, policy director for Rare New England, a nonprofit that advocates for patients, families and providers touched by rare and complex disorders.
The discussion focuses on the SITE Act and how it aims to combat dishonest billing in the health care industry.

NH's Economic Vitality
This week's guest is Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs for New Hampshire. In his capacity as commissioner, Caswell serves as the chief economic and marketing official for the state and oversees the state Divisions of Economic Development and Travel & Tourism Development, enabling and growing economic vitality for residents and employers in the Granite State.

30 Years of RiverWoods
This week's guest is Justine Vogel, the CEO of RiverWoods, a continuing care retirement community with locations in Exeter, Durham and Manchester.
After working at RiverWoods for 30 years, Justine reflects on how the organization has adapted to changing resident needs, and how she hopes to protect its core values in the future.

PBMs: the Arsonist & the Firefighter
Antonio Ciaccia of 3 Axis Advisors returns to the show to discuss reform updates of how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) affect prescription drug prices and their relationship with pharmacies, nationwide and here in New Hampshire.

Commercial Space Conversion
This week's guest is Dan Scanlon, Senior Associate at Colliers, who speaks on recent trends in the commercial real estate sector, including how some empty spaces are being converted to residential housing.

Ep. 204: Community-Based Banking
This week, our guest is Tim Wade, regional president for M&T Bank, who speaks on the lending environment for small businesses, partnering with area nonprofits to help fund housing developments and more.

Musician Turned Entrepreneur
Sixteen-year-old country pop musician Malachi Gagnon stops by the Down to Business studio to discuss how he turned his passion into a business that produced over 5 million streams on Spotify and gained a loyal following on popular social media platforms TikTok and Instagram.
From his humble beginnings in New Hampshire to building a robust team of music industry professionals, Malachi shares how he became an entrepreneur to bring his talent to a nationwide audience.

Ep. 202: Patent Pending
Guest Kyle Dimick, a recent Plymouth State University graduate, shares his story of patenting a prototype that makes hygiene tasks more accessible for individuals with limited mobility.

Ep. 201: Defending NH's infrastructure
This week's guest is Jason Sgro, director and chairman of Concord-based Overwatch Foundation, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to the defense of the Homeland, the public’s trust in the State of New Hampshire, and the security of the United States' critical infrastructure.

Ep. 200: A state united
This week's guest is Patrick Tufts, president & CEO of Granite United Way, a statewide nonprofit organization that makes strategic investments in New Hampshire's community. NHBR editors and Tufts discuss the nonprofit's new model of support and how they help residents thrive.

Ep. 199: PFAS-eliminating technology

Ep. 198: Advocating for the Arts
This week's guest is Duane Coute, general manager at Littleton Chevrolet, who was recently honored with the Changemaker Business Leader Award by the New Hampshire Business Committee for the Arts.
Duane and NHBR editors discuss how he gathered signatures and coordinated a rally to support the Littleton arts and pride community against possible censorship.

Ep. 197: Health Care Access with Nick Vailas
This week's guest is Nick Vailas, founder and CEO of Bedford Surgical Ambulatory Center (BASC), who discusses the current state of health care, such as affordability and access, and how his suite of programs helps to bridge the challenging gaps in the industry.

Ep. 196: Entrepreneurism can be taught
This week's guest is Rajesh Nair, founder of EnCube Labs, NH Board of Education member (district 5), and former professor of practice, innovation and entrepreneurship at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The lively discussion includes how Raj teaches the next generation of leaders to grow as entrepreneurs, as well as educational challenges that students are facing today.

Ep. 195: NH Together, a Conversation
This week's guest is Martha Madsen, project manager for NH Together, an organization that coordinates community conversations, constructive dialogue and action in order to strengthen voter confidence in elections, reduce polarization and improve political responsiveness. Learn more at https://newhampshiretogether.us

Ep. 194: Apparel Impact
This week's episode features guest Joe Whitten, CEO and co-founder of Apparel Impact, a family- and veteran-owned textile recycling organization in Hooksett, that was recently named Veteran-Owned Business of the Year by the NH district of the US Small Business Administration.
The discussion touches upon Apparel Impact's mission to divert textile waste from landfills, how Joe's military background helped forge his entrepreneurial path, and the new "Team Impact" comic book that's helping the next generation better learn to recycle clothing.

Ep. 193: Here for Generations to Come
Bob Bonfiglio, co-founder of Rise Private Wealth Management, an Ameriprise private wealth advisory practice in Bedford, shared insights into leadership development, succession planning and the importance of building a business with legacy in mind.


Ep. 191: A Future in STEM
This week's guest is Dan Hughes, Director of Technology and Engineering at World Academy, a private independent school for infants through 8th grade in Nashua, on STEM in early education, the importance of skill-building at a young age, and how hands-on learning comes with many benefits.
World Academy prepares students for success through innovative education, whole child focus and family engagement. World Academy prides itself on high-quality teaching with an emphasis on innovative learning opportunities using state-of-the-art technology.

Ep. 190: Breaking the 9-5 mold
Logan Hughes, CEO of Hite Digital in Manchester, NH, shares insights into how he broke from the 9-5 mold and into the world of entrepreneurism, from work-life balance to challenges he faced along the way.

Episode 189: An All-the-Above Energy Approach
Mike Giaimo, Northeast Region Director at the American Petroleum Institute, shares insights into energy infrastructure here in New Hampshire, as well as community power initiatives and the importance of diversifying energy options in the state.

Rx Drug Affordability Crisis
NHBR editors speak with NH State Rep Erica Layon (Derry, NH) and Antonio Ciaccia, president of 3 Axis Advisors, about the negative effects pharmacy benefit managers have on the cost of prescription drugs and the health care system as a whole.

Episode 187: Global Arts
This week, NHBR editors speak with Howard Brodsky, co-founder and chairman of CCA Global Partners, who has helped to create Open Arts United, a new community-based initiative that connects diverse and underrepresented communities with arts experiences.
This week's episode is brought to you by McLane Middleton, providing trusted legal services to businesses throughout the region for over 100 years. For a complete listing of their practice areas, attorneys, and locations, visit www.mclane.com.

Primary Edition: Vivek Ramaswamy
In the Primary Edition of the Down to Business podcast, presidential candidates talk about the economy, business, political issues and their campaigns with the publisher and editors of NH Business Review. This week's episode features Vivek Ramaswamy.
This special-edition episode is brought to you by Bernstein Shur, a New England-based, multi-service law firm advising clients across the U.S. and around the world. Learn more at www.bernsteinshur.com.

Episode 186: The NH Political Landscape
Back on Nov. 2, NHBR editors spoke with John Lappie, PhD, assistant professor of political science at Plymouth State University, about what he's seeing with the current elections, the nuances of the candidates’ campaigns and voter behavior.
This week's episode is brought to you by McLane Middleton, providing trusted legal services to businesses throughout the region for over 100 years. For a complete listing of their practice areas, attorneys, and locations, visit www.mclane.com.

Episode 185: Manufacturing in NH
Back in late October, NHBR editors spoke with Tony Fernandez, president & CEO of the NH Manufacturing Extension Partnership, about manufacturing in the state, and how the organization helps fuel the growth of manufacturing networks.

Episode 184: Amazon vs. FTC case
Back in late October, NHBR editors Amanda Andrews and Mike Cote spoke with Jessica Melugin, director of the Center for Technology and Innovation at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, regarding the Amazon antitrust lawsuit, where New Hampshire and 17 other states sued the "online superstore" alongside the Federal Trade Commission, who claimed that Amazon is an anticompetitive monopoly.
This week's episode is brought to you by McLane Middleton, providing trusted legal services to businesses throughout the region for over 100 years. For a complete listing of their practice areas, attorneys, and locations, visit www.mclane.com.

Episode 183: Veterans Services in NH
In honor of Veteran's Day, the NHBR team spoke with two gentlemen directly connected to veterans and veteran services in New Hampshire: Phil Taub, co-founder of Swim With a Mission (SWAM), and Scott Hyder, a veteran and founder/president of Hidden Battles Foundation.
This week's episode is brought to you by McLane Middleton, providing trusted legal services to businesses throughout the region for over 100 years. For a complete listing of their practice areas, attorneys, and locations, visit www.mclane.com.

Episode 182: Passions Become Purpose
This week, NHBR editors speak with Nate Ortiz, financial center manager for Bank of America in Manchester.
Nate shares how he helps promote financial literacy throughout his community by connecting with clients to help them overcome language barriers and find a financial path that's right for them.

Episode 181: Running for Good
This week, NHBR Publisher Ernesto Burden sits down with Tom Raffio, president & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental, to discuss Tom's new book "Stories From the Starting Line," featuring many stories of runners over the years.

Episode 180: AI Trends & Insight
Mainstay Technologies CEO Ryan Barton digs into the world of AI, its varied uses, how businesses are integrating it into their practices, and trends the technology is exploring.
This week's episode is brought to you by McLane Middleton, providing trusted legal services to businesses throughout the region for over 100 years. For a complete listing of their practice areas, attorneys, and locations, visit www.mclane.com.