Frederick Factor

Sandy Dubay

Everyone who’s lived in, worked in, or visited Frederick, Maryland knows there’s just something… special… about this place. Frederick is known for its economic potential, quality of life, charm, and prime location outside of Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Like many communities around the USA, Frederick is working to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Our goal with this podcast is to be a part of that conversation. In the Frederick Factor Podcast, you’ll hear from Frederick’s underrepresented business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. They’ll share their personal stories and career journeys and what makes Frederick so special to them. Tune in to get inspired and be a part of this conversation with us!

  1. 06/29/2023

    The Connections Factor with Audi Nagi

    Show Summary In our final episode of Season 12, we meet Audi Nadi, the owner of Frederick Social (which also happens to be host Ashleigh Kiggans’ favorite place in Frederick)! Ever since Frederick Social opened in December of 2021, it’s become a popular place to connect, socialize, network, and enjoy the wide variety of taps, nonalcoholic beverages, delicious food, and 5,000+ feet of space. The technology inside the taphouse provides a unique experience not found in regular bars or restaurants. Tune in to hear Audi’s story of starting her first business in Frederick and how Frederick Social has become a go-to location for everyone from nonprofits to business organizations to chess players to families and friends.  Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: How Frederick became Audi and her family's forever home after residing in multiple states, including California, Colorado, New York, and others.The vision behind creating Frederick Social: Frederick's first self-pour taphouse and eateryThe challenges they encountered while securing a space for their building amidst the pandemic. How Frederick Social utilizes technology to curate a distinct and unparalleled experience, setting it apart from traditional restaurants and barsThe incredible support available to new business owners in Frederick through various organizations, programs, individuals, and the community at largeThe many ways that Frederick Social creates a space for the community to connectWhat the "Charity Tap" is, and how it supports nonprofitsAudi’s Frederick FactorGuest Bio For over 20+ years, Audi Nagi has been helping businesses to design and operate their spaces to be more sustainable by applying high-performance building standards to new construction and renovation spaces. Now she has applied her expertise in a new venture as the owner of downtown Frederick's first self-pour taphouse and eatery, successfully integrating technology and sustainability in an innovative taphouse and eatery. Show Links: Frederick Social: https://www.frederick-social.com/ 50 Citizens Way  Frederick, MD 21701 (240) 629-8525 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederick.social/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fredericksocialcafe Maryland Business Women’s Center https://marylandwbc.org/ Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor here:  www.platinumpr.com Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com  About the Frederick Factor: The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor

    32 min
  2. 06/15/2023

    The Wellness Factor with Hannah King

    Show Summary In this episode, we meet Hannah King, the owner of Squadstyle Work & Wellness, Frederick's first coworking space to prioritize personal development and make work-life balance accessible and convenient. With a semi-private gym, coworking space, wellness room, and outdoor area, Squadstyle invites remote workers, health enthusiasts, and personal trainers to explore their own definition of health and wellness. Originally from Germany, Hannah shares the inspiration behind starting Squadstyle -- from her wellness journey to coming up with the idea for a work and wellness space in Frederick. Through the rollercoaster of emotions of starting the business, Hannah shares how she’s received nothing but love and support from Frederick's businesses, friends, and the community.  Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: Hannah’s journey from Germany to the US, starting as an au pair and later opening her own businessHannah’s experiences with American food and fad diets that ultimately led to her passion for creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle and helping others do the sameHow the environment of corporate gyms led to the inspiration behind a coworking space with a gym that encourages collaborationThe obstacles Hannah faced when starting a business and how she and her husband took the leap to create the space themselvesHow Squadstyle’s coworking setup allows entrepreneurs and business owners to share resources and support one another Why Hannah calls Frederick the best place you could live and have a business inHannah’s Frederick FactorShow Links: Squadstyle Address: 11 Byte Ct. Suite C | Frederick, MD Phone Number: 301.732.9290 Website: www.worknwellness.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squadstyle.cowork/ Email: squadstyle@worknwellness.com Book a Tour: https://calendly.com/squadstyle/tour  Get in touch with Hannah: hannah@worknwellness.com Get in touch with Jimmy: jimmy@slstudiofrederick.com Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor here:  www.platinumpr.com Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com  About the Frederick Factor: The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor

    19 min
  3. 06/07/2023

    The People and Place Factor with Crystal Williams-Palmer

    Show Summary Have you ever met an enraged owner? Now you have! In this episode, you’ll hear from Crystal Williams-Palmer of Frederick’s Crash and Catharsis Rage Factory. Crystal created Frederick's first and only “rage room” to give people a safe, controlled environment to break items and let out stress, frustration, and rage! Tune in to hear how Crystal worked through the challenges she encountered while working to open the rage room and why she was determined to open it in Frederick. The many fans of this popular downtown Frederick spot can attest to the power of having a safe place to break things and experience catharsis and relief! Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: How supporting a friend through a breakup during the pandemic sparked the idea to create a rage room in Frederick The challenges Crystal faced when working on setting up her rage room and how Crystal became the “enraged owner”The helpful people and businesses that believed in Crystal’s vision along the wayFrederick’s special way of connecting you to the right people at the right time in the right placeHow Crystal’s experiences working in Corporate America and the tow truck industry prepared her to have a woman-owned businessWhy Crystal knew that Frederick was the place she wanted to open her rage roomCrystal’s Frederick FactorShow Links: Crash and Catharsis Rage Factory Website: https://ccragefactory.com/ Location: 14 West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701 Phone: 240-741-2847 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccragefactory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCRageFactory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crashcatharsisragefactory Vintage MC https://vintage-mc.com/ The Weinberg Center https://weinbergcenter.org/ The Heartly House https://www.heartlyhouse.org/ Frederick County Mental Health Association https://fcmha.org/ Season 2 Episode 7: The Helping Factor with Tina Harper of Dream Free Art https://frederickfactor.com/2023/04/12/the-helping-factor-with-tina-harper/ Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor here:  www.platinumpr.com Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com  About the Frederick Factor: The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor

    39 min
  4. 06/01/2023

    The Resources Factor with Shana Knight (Part 2)

    Show Summary Shana Knight, our guest in Episode 1 of Season 2 of the Frederick Factor, is back for her follow-up episode! As a guest in one of our most popular episodes, Shana is back to share her year-later update about her position as the Senior Business Development Manager for Diversity and Inclusion with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development. She shares many great resources for underrepresented businesses through the FCOED. Plus, she shares exciting updates about SOUL Street, which is a local collective of Black business owners and community members in Frederick County who have come together to empower the Black business community through events, outreach, advocacy, and education.  Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: Shana’s updates one year since recording Episode 1 of Season 2 of the Frederick FactorHow underrepresented businesses can get support through FCOED’s EmPOWER offerings, such as the Monthly Networking Events, the EmPOWER Mentorship Program, and the Virtual Mentorship Accelerator Program What a one-on-one meeting with Shana at the FCOED is like, and what kind of support & guidance a small underrepresented business can get from itHow the FCOED’s Underrepresented Business Directory offers an accessible way for businesses to get more visibilityShana reveals SOUL Street’s BIG news!How the SOUL Street Takeover Events became a solution for serving brick-and-mortar underrepresented businesses in a fun and engaging waySpecial SOUL Street events coming up in summer 2023!Show Links: FCOED’s EmPOWER Program https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empowerThe EmPOWER Program’s Monthly Networking Events https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empower-networkingThe EmPOWER Mentorship Program https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/mentorshipThe EmPOWER Small Business Accelerator Program https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empower-acceleratorThe FCOED’s Underrepresented Business Directory https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/locations/sections/view/empower-businessesSeason 2 Episode 1: The Opportunity Factor with Shana Knight of SOUL Street - Part 1 https://frederickfactor.com/2023/03/02/the-opportunity-factor-with-shana-knight-of-soul-street-part-1/Season 2 Episode 6: The Welcoming Factor with Jarad Bowens https://frederickfactor.com/2023/04/06/the-welcoming-factor-with-jarad-bowens/SOUL Street: https://mysoulstreet.com/SOUL Street TAKEOVER at TJay's Beer & Wine on June 16, 2023: https://www.facebook.com/events/920205052428407About the Frederick Factor: The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor

    16 min
  5. 04/26/2023

    The Charitable Factor with Wayne Dorsey

    Show Summary In this episode, we meet Wayne Dorsey, Founder & Chairman of The Safe Ride Foundation, Frederick County’s only non-profit organization working to stop drunk driving. Founded in 2015, they are best known as the creators of the popular “SOS Safe Ride” program, a Frederick-County exclusive mobile app and ride service that will transport you AND your vehicle home safely when you’ve had a few too many. With this program, they’ve prevented well over 15,000 DUI offenses in Frederick County. Listen to this episode and learn more about The Safe Ride Foundation’s programs to eradicate drunk driving and why they’re one of the country's successful safe ride programs. Plus, hear how Wayne incorporates sold-out stand-up comedy shows as a way to raise money for drunk driving awareness. Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: Wayne’s inspiration behind starting The Safe Ride FoundationWayne’s experience of growing his business at a very young age and as a minority and how he used that as a superpowerHow the organization helps stop drunk driving through their breathalyzer booth in downtown FrederickHow the Safe Ride Foundation Angel Fund has provided more than $25,000 to families affected by drunk driving in Frederick CountyThe secret about what makes their Safe Ride Program so successful while many safe ride programs around the country have not succeededHow the Steered Straight Program helps people who have gotten DUIs to become a part of the solution instead of part of the problemWhy Frederick is a phenomenal place to start a nonprofitWayne’s Frederick FactorShow Links: Safe Ride Foundation: https://www.saferidefoundation.org/S.O.S. Safe Ride Program: https://www.sossaferide.org/S.O.S. Safe Ride Phone Number: 240-722-7422 Address: 122 E Patrick St, Frederick MD, 21702 Email: info@sossaferide.orgFollow the S.O.S. Safe Ride Program:On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sossaferide/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sossaferideDownload the S.O.S. Safe Ride Program App:On AppleOn Google PlayOver the Limit Comedy Fest: https://overthelimitcomedyfest.com/Cellar Door in Frederick: https://www.cellardoorfrederick.com/Federated Charities: https://www.federatedcharities.orgInterested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com  About the Frederick Factor: The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor

    20 min
  6. 04/12/2023

    The Helping Factor with Tina Harper

    Show Summary In this episode, Tina Harper, the owner and CEO of Dream Free Art, shares her story of developing her unconventional business idea amid the pandemic with six kids at home. After initially facing doubters of her creative business idea, she participated in Frederick’s ShePitch contest, and soon, the community fell in love with the studio. Listen to Tina’s journey as a business owner and her experience living in Frederick.  Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: How Tina, a mom of 6, got the idea to transition her business model amid the pandemicHow Dream Free Art’s experiences are different than typical “Sip and Paint” eventsThe story behind Dream Free Art’s Bob Ross-inspired “Happy Accidents” Class, their “Glow” events, and moreTina’s experience of participating in Frederick’s ShePitchHow the community of Frederick has welcomed and supported Tina and her businessWays that Frederick County and the community can continue to support small businesses and underrepresented businessesTina’s Frederick Factor  Show Links: Dream Free Art: https://www.dreamfreeart.com/Follow Dream Free Art on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamfreeartstudio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamfreeartTwitter: https://twitter.com/dreamfreeartGet in touch with Tina at: info@DreamFreeArt.comDream Free Art is located at: 5104 Pegasus Ct Suite B, Frederick, MD 21704Frederick County Chamber of Commerce: https://www.frederickchamber.orgFrederick County Chamber of Commerce’s SheWeek Event: https://www.frederickchamber.org/sheweek2023.htmlMaryland Women Business Center: https://marylandwbc.org/Frederick OED’s EmPOWER Program: https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empower Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor, here:  www.platinumpr.com Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com  About the Frederick Factor: The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor

    36 min
  7. 04/06/2023

    The Welcoming Factor with Jarad Bowens

    Show Summary Jarad Bowens is a Frederick resident who’s only lived in Frederick for a few years but has already made a huge impact in the community. An active member of the Chamber of Commerce, he shares the story behind presenting the idea for the Business Equity Coalition to the Chamber with Shana Knight. Now as the chair of that committee, Jarad shares some ways it’s creating more diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented businesses of all kinds in Frederick. Jarad also shares the story behind the creation of his business Benefactor Events and how it lives out its name of “benefactor.”  Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: How Jarad first got involved with the Chamber of Commerce in Florida and how this has made all the difference in his businessThe inspiration behind “Benefactor Events” and their dedication to supporting the community with their servicesHow Jarad found that the best way to make change in the community was to help businesses to grow and develop Clarifying what DEI is and what it isn’t (Hint: it’s not about taking away seats at the table -- it’s about adding more)Why sometimes, to add more seats to the table, you’ve got to build a new table!Why “changing the world” isn’t the goal of the Business Equity Coalition -- inclusion, access, and representation is.Jarad’s Frederick FactorShow Links: Benefactor Events: https://benefactorevents.com/Follow Benefactor Events on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benefactoreventcoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/benefactorevents/Business Equity Coalition for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce: https://www.frederickchamber.org/business-equity-coalition.htmlFrederick County Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee: https://www.frederickchamber.org/women-in-business.htmlSOUL Street: https://mysoulstreet.com/Alive @ Five: https://downtownfrederick.org/upcoming-events/aliveatfive/I Believe In Me, Inc.: https://www.ibelieveinme.com/AK’s Grafix and Photo: https://aksgrafix.com/ Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor, here:  www.platinumpr.com Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com  About the Frederick Factor: The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor

    35 min
  8. 03/30/2023

    The Solution Factor with Peter Brehm

    Show Summary In this episode, Peter Brehm, a founding member and the current treasurer of the Frederick Center, shares what the Frederick Center is doing to support the LGBTQIA+ community and to create awareness and education for the Frederick community. Many challenging questions are tackled in this episode as Peter shares insight about the challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces, the progressive steps that are being taken to create greater inclusion, and how people can be better allies and a part of the solution.  Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: How the Frederick Center originated from one high school student’s challenges and determination to find support for LGBTQIA+ youthThe many programs the Frederick Center has created to support the LGBTQIA+ community’s needsHow the LGBTQIA+ 101 program provides a way for organizations and their employees to get informed about the LGBTQIA+ communityThe story of the first Pride Fest in Frederick and its evolution to an event that gathers over 15,000 peopleThe importance of allies advocating for LGBTQIA+ peopleWhy the LGBTQIA+ is seeking affirmation in the community (versus just acceptance), and what that can look likeShow Links: The Frederick Center: https://thefrederickcenter.org Frederick Pride: https://thefrederickcenter.org/frederick-pride Downtown Frederick Partnership: https://downtownfrederick.org/ Learn more about Policy 443: https://www.fcps.org/boe/policy-443 JoJo’s Restaurant and Tap House: https://jojosrestauranttaphouse.com/ Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ: https://erucc.org/ Learn more about Platinum PR, the sponsors of Season Two of the Frederick Factor, here:  www.platinumpr.com Interested in sponsoring a season of the Frederick Factor? Contact us at info@frederickfactor.com  About the Frederick Factor: The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor

    37 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Everyone who’s lived in, worked in, or visited Frederick, Maryland knows there’s just something… special… about this place. Frederick is known for its economic potential, quality of life, charm, and prime location outside of Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Like many communities around the USA, Frederick is working to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Our goal with this podcast is to be a part of that conversation. In the Frederick Factor Podcast, you’ll hear from Frederick’s underrepresented business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. They’ll share their personal stories and career journeys and what makes Frederick so special to them. Tune in to get inspired and be a part of this conversation with us!