About

The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. 

The idea for The Frederick Factor was born over two years before the launch of this podcast. The podcast creator, Sandy Dubay, was inspired to explore the idea of: What is that “THING” that makes Frederick so special? What is the “Frederick Factor”? 

Meanwhile, Sandy and her team at Platinum PR also spent those two years working on projects related to diversity, equity, and inclusion for businesses and organizations in Maryland and beyond. The team wanted to be a part of the conversation on creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Frederick. 

The two topics merged into one as we decided to highlight the stories and voices of people from different backgrounds, races, orientations, and experiences in Frederick, Maryland. Join us as we hear from them and explore: What’s YOUR Frederick Factor?

The Frederick Factor is created and produced by the team at Platinum PR, a place-based Marketing & Communications Agency for communities and destinations. We help people reimagine what’s possible by visiting, living, working, or relocating to communities around the country. 

Our offices are in downtown Frederick, where we’re often found walking down Carroll Creek, going for an afternoon popcorn run at the Original Popcorn House, or getting takeout from Firestone’s Market. 

We’re thrilled to be telling the stories of Frederick individuals in this podcast and to be sponsoring the first kick-off season of the Frederick Factor!

Ashleigh Kiggans is the host of Season Two of the Frederick Factor. 

Ashleigh Kiggans is the Vice President of MacRo Commercial Real Estate, located in Frederick, MD. Ashleigh is in her 7th year at MacRo and 12th year in the commercial real estate market. She handles a number of sales, leasing, and development transactions in Frederick, Washington, Carroll, & Montgomery Counties. Ashleigh was recently a panelist at the Maryland Realtors Commercial Symposium. In addition to her work as a commercial real estate agent, Ashleigh also serves on a number of boards and committees. These boards would include the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Association of Realtors (FCAR), the Mental Health Association of Frederick County, the Community Foundation of Frederick County, and the DEI Committee at Maryland Realtors. In 2022, Ashleigh was named a “Top 50 Under 40” young professional in Frederick County and won the “Emerging Dealmaker” award from the Frederick County Office of Economic Development. Ashleigh is one of few full-time women active CRE agents in Frederick County, as well as one of the only full-time Black women CRE agents in Frederick County. Connect with Ashleigh at ashleigh@macroltd.com.

Sandy Dubay was the host of Season One of the Frederick Factor. 

Sandy Dubay is the CEO and Founder of Platinum PR—Places Reimagined, the creators and producers of the Frederick Factor. Passionate about placemaking, Sandy brings over 20 years of marketing savvy and her talents as a marketing consultant, spokesperson, and economic development and tourism expert to the communities Platinum PR serves. Sandy loves where she lives, and shares her time and talents with many organizations. Her commitment was recognized by the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, which honored her with The Van Ryzin Award for volunteerism. West Virginia Executive Magazine recognized her as a Young Gun for her entrepreneurial successes and outreach activities. Sandy received her bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University in economics and business administration. She previously served as a Research Specialist at the Jefferson County Development Authority in Charles Town, West Virginia and as a Business Development Specialist in the Frederick County Office of Economic Development in Frederick, Maryland. Connect with Sandy via email at sandy@platinumpr.com, via phone at 240-608-4441, or on LinkedIn.