Blog Wide – Page 2 – Frederick Factor

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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

218

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 […]

People

263

Businesses

Episode 0: Passing the Torch – Meet the Host of Season Two of the Frederick Factor

Frederick Factor February 23, 2023

Show Summary: Meet the host of Season 2 of the Frederick Factor, Ashleigh Kiggans! Ashleigh is the Vice President of MacRo, Frederick County and Frederick City’s go-to brokerage for commercial real estate and land transactions, and an active member of local nonprofits. In this episode, our previous host, Sandy Dubay, “passes the torch” to Ashleigh! Ashleigh interviews Sandy, and we learn more about the origin of the Frederick Factor, future visions for the podcast, and the story behind getting Ashleigh to guest host this season of the Frederick Factor. Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: The Big Reveal: Meet […]

157

Uncategorized

Black History Month 2022

Frederick Factor February 25, 2022

In honor of Black History Month, Frederick Factor celebrates the history, achievements, talents, and resilience of the Black and African-American community. Throughout our first season, we had the opportunity to interview some incredible Black and African-American-owned businesses here in Frederick County. We hope you take the time to listen to some of them!

Businesses

316

Owned By Person with Disability

Episode 12: The Uniqueness Factor with Nikki Reineck of Sisters in Style

Frederick Factor January 5, 2022

Show Summary: For our final episode of Season One of the Frederick Factor, our guest is Nikki Reineck, the owner and CEO of the clothing boutique Sisters in Style. Nikki shares her journey as a business owner and discusses how Sisters in Style evolved from an at-home business to opening a storefront in Frederick, Maryland and a facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nikki is also part of the deaf community, and her employees are all deaf as well. She shares with us the unique experience people can have in her store and how communities can make events more accessible and inclusive […]

Businesses

350

Asian-American-Owned

Episode 11: The Culture Factor with Elizabeth Chung of the Asian American Center of Frederick

Frederick Factor December 22, 2021

Show Summary: Our guest for today’s episode is Elizabeth Chung, the founder and Executive Director of the Asian American Center of Frederick. The AACF brings together cultures, helps people become citizens of the US, and supports immigrants with essential skills to be independent and successful contributors to our communities. With passion and dedication, Elizabeth shares her journey creating AACF and growing the many successful programs that are powerfully impacting individuals, strengthening communities, and creating ripple effects throughout society at large. Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: The original inspiration behind starting Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF) How the […]

Businesses

442

Black-Owned

Episode 10: The Hope Factor with Aje Hill of I Believe In Me

Frederick Factor December 15, 2021

Show Summary: We’re sure this conversation with Aje Hill will leave you as inspired and as it left us. He shares his story of going from a “dope dealer” in his youth to becoming a “hope dealer” today. After going to prison at a young age, Aje had a wake-up moment where he decided that he believed in himself. Since then, he has committed himself to serving the community, helping at-risk youth through his nonprofit, I Believe In Me, Inc. He continues to serve “hope” everywhere he goes — including this episode! Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: Aje’s […]

Businesses

149

Woman-Owned

Episode 9: The Entrepreneurship Factor with Janece Lee of HEISIS

Frederick Factor December 8, 2021

Show Summary: This conversation with Janece Lee was truly an inspiring one! As a recent college graduate, Janece is taking the fashion industry by storm as she fills an unmet need: plus-size young adult fashion. In this interview, Janece shares why it’s so important to create trending, stylish plus-size clothing for young adults. With determination, commitment, and a passion for her mission, Janece is building a powerful brand that’s dedicated to serving her target audience. Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: How Janece got the inspiration for her plus-sized young adult fashion company Where the inspiration for her brand’s […]

Businesses

126

Hispanic Owned

Episode 8: The Friendship Factor With Jose Bueso of Dynamic Automotive

Frederick Factor December 1, 2021

Show Summary: Our guest Jose Bueso is well-known in the Frederick community. For over 25 years, he has been the owner of Dynamic Automotive. In this episode, Jose shares his journey from working on cars in his garage to owning five different Dynamic Automotive locations with 46 employees. While Jose has faced fears and challenges along the way, he’s stayed relentlessly committed and determined to grow the thriving business he has today. Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: How Jose and his business partner went from working in Jose’s garage for 4 years to opening the doors of their […]

78

LGBTQIA

Episode 7: The Always Learning Factor With Em Perper

Frederick Factor November 24, 2021

Show Summary: If you live in Frederick and frequent the Curious Iguana bookstore on the weekends, chances are that you’ve gotten a book recommendation from our guest Em Perper. The Frederick Factor team got to know Em when they led a Frederick OED Empower Program workshop. In today’s episode, Em shares their journey as a transgender nonbinary person and some of the experiences they’ve had helping to educate people about the LGBTQ community. This includes both formal workshops as well as daily experiences working in downtown Frederick. Show Notes / Highlights from the Show: How Em identifies Why being well-meaning […]