Blog Wide – Frederick Factor

5

The People and Place Factor with Crystal Williams-Palmer

Sophie Smith June 7, 2023

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 […]

People

19

Black-Owned

The Resources Factor with Shana Knight (Part 2)

Frederick Factor June 1, 2023

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 […]

People

21

Black-Owned

The Charitable Factor with Wayne Dorsey

Frederick Factor April 27, 2023

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 […]

People

90

Businesses

The Helping Factor with Tina Harper

Frederick Factor April 12, 2023

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 County Chamber of Commerce’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 pandemic How […]

Businesses

85

Black-Owned

The Welcoming Factor with Jarad Bowens

Frederick Factor April 6, 2023

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 […]

People

42

LGBTQIA

The Solution Factor with Peter Brehm

Frederick Factor March 30, 2023

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 […]

People

27

Woman-Owned

The Arts Factor with Kathryn Vicere

Frederick Factor March 23, 2023

Show Summary: Kathryn (“Kat”) Vicere has been active in the Frederick theater scene since childhood, debuting in The King and I with the Fredericktown Players. Moving from center stage to behind the scenes, she now plays pivotal roles in Frederick, including serving as the Maryland Ensemble Theatre (the MET) Managing Director from 2018 to 2022. In this episode, she shares the MET’s work to create more inclusivity through storytelling, involve young people in the arts, and highlight the contributions of everyone in the community through theater shows. Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: How Kat’s lifelong career in the […]

People

237

LGBTQIA Owned

The Participation Factor with Chief of Police Jason Lando

Frederick Factor March 15, 2023

Show Summary: Chief of Police for the Frederick Police Department, Jason Lando, has worked fiercely to create initiatives that have strengthened relationships between police and the community. In this episode, we get to know Jason personally and learn about his background, his early dreams of becoming a police officer, his passion for supporting the community, the many initiatives that have helped build bridges in Frederick, and of course — Jason’s Frederick Factor. Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: What made Jason decide to pursue a police chief opportunity after he was eligible for retirement — and why he chose […]

Businesses

78

Woman-Owned

The Vibrance Factor with Sandra Hofmeister of A&S Construction

Frederick Factor March 8, 2023

Show Summary: Born in Peru, Sandra’s unexpected life journey led her to open a construction business in Frederick, Maryland. As one of Frederick’s only Hispanic and female construction business owners and only bilingual female licensed General Contractor, Sandra’s determination to thrive in challenging circumstances got her to where she is today. In this episode, she shares what she’s learned along the way and why she loves living and working in Frederick, Maryland. Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: Why Sandra always says, “life is an unexpected journey,” and the twists and turns that led to her opening A&S Construction […]

People

199

Businesses

The Opportunity Factor with Shana Knight of SOUL Street (Part 1)

Frederick Factor March 2, 2023

Show Summary: In this episode, Shana Knight shares the story behind creating SOUL Street and how racial injustices spurred a group of inspired people in Frederick to take action and make a lasting impact. Shana is taking her service for the community to a new level by supporting underrepresented business owners in Frederick County. Listen and learn more about the historical challenges Black business owners have faced and why supporting Black-owned businesses is crucial. Stay tuned for Part 2 — our 2nd interview with Shana — coming later this season! Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: The story behind […]