Shop Talk

Rowan Freeman

5.0 (1)
Entrepreneurship
Series

Shop Talk is a podcast series that shines a light on local businesses in my hometown of Millburn, New Jersey. Through the podcast, I will show how local businesses succeed by taking risks, being flexible, overcoming adversity, making smart moves, and going out of their comfort zone to find solutions to challenges to innovate and grow.

Episode 1

Explore Millburn: Steve Grillo

In this first episode, I interview Steve Grillo from Explore Millburn Short Hills, the nonprofit management organization for the Special Improvement District in Millburn Township, New Jersey. We discuss how Explore Millburn Short Hills supports the local economy and community by promoting small businesses, organizing town events, improving public spaces, and helping with local marketing.
Episode 2

Shala's: Shala Powell

In this second episode, I interview Shala Powell from Shala’s in Millburn, a local boutique store that has been part of the community for years. We discuss what it is like to run a small business with a focus on building relationships with customers and keeping a local store successful over time. This episode gives listeners a closer look at the creativity, dedication, and hard work behind owning a long-standing business in town.
Episode 3

Footnotes: Marc Hausman

In this episode, I interview Marc Hausman, owner of Footnotes, a generational shoe business that has been part of the Millburn community for years. We discuss what it is like to continue a family business, serve loyal customers, and adapt to changes in retail while keeping the store’s original values. This episode gives listeners a closer look at the hard work, tradition, and community connection behind a long-standing local business.
Episode 4

Vinnies: Peter Falzo

In this episode, I interview Peter Falzo, the owner of Vinnie’s, a cozy pizza shop known for its fresh ingredients and thin crust pizza. Inspired by his Uncle Vinnie, Peter built the Vinnie’s brand through dedication, commitment, and a love for bringing people together through food. We discuss what it takes to run a local restaurant, stay connected to the community, and create a welcoming place that customers keep coming back to.
Episode 5

Avalon Salon: Rimon Ebrahim

In this episode, I interview Rimon Ebrahim, the owner of Avalon Salon, a luxury hair and nail salon in Millburn. Rimon moved from Egypt with a dream of starting his own salon, and after working at three other salons, he turned that dream into a reality. We discuss how Avalon grew through word of mouth, the importance of building trust with clients, and how Rimon hopes every person who walks in feels welcomed and at home.
Episode 6

The Standard: Ryan Harris

In this episode, I interview Ryan Harris, an owner of The Standard, a neighborhood restaurant known for quality food, a good vibe, and a lively bar. Ryan shares the importance of working hard and learning the business from the ground up, whether that means washing dishes, bussing tables, or helping wherever needed. We discuss how The Standard focuses on happy customers, good staff, consistent food and service, and honoring the history of its location while creating a welcoming spot for the community.
Episode 7

Springbone: Sam Eckstein

In this episode, I interview Sam Eckstein, owner of Springbone, a fast casual restaurant chain that continues to grow while staying focused on simple, high-quality, and nutritious ingredients. Sam shares how Springbone uses a centralized kitchen in Brooklyn to keep its food fresh, consistent, and reliable across locations. We discuss the expansion of Springbone, the importance of maintaining quality while growing, and what it takes to build a health-focused business that customers trust.
Episode 8

Millburn Deli: Andrew Morgan

In the final episode of this series, I interview Andrew Morgan, an owner of Millburn Deli, an iconic New Jersey institution known for its legendary sandwiches. As a family business that has been around since 1947, Millburn Deli has grown through hard work, pride, and a strong commitment to quality. Andrew shares how he helped expand the business while staying true to what makes it special, from great food to a great staff. We discuss what sets Millburn Deli apart and how success comes from showing up, putting in effort, and caring about every part of the business.

8 Episodes

Shop Talk is a podcast series that shines a light on local businesses in my hometown of Millburn, New Jersey. Through the podcast, I will show how local businesses succeed by taking risks, being flexible, overcoming adversity, making smart moves, and going out of their comfort zone to find solutions to challenges to innovate and grow.

Creator

Rowan Freeman
Episodes

8
Seasons

1
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Rowan Freeman 2026
Show Website

Shop Talk