Frederick Factor
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!
Episodes
26 episodes
The Connections Factor with Audi Nagi
Show SummaryIn 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 20...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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32:08
The Wellness Factor with Hannah King
Show SummaryIn 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 se...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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18:40
The People and Place Factor with Crystal Williams-Palmer
Show SummaryHave 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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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38:37
The Resources Factor with Shana Knight (Part 2)
Show SummaryShana 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 pos...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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15:42
The Charitable Factor with Wayne Dorsey
Show SummaryIn 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 c...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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19:55
The Helping Factor with Tina Harper
Show SummaryIn 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 crea...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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35:38
The Welcoming Factor with Jarad Bowens
Show SummaryJarad 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 present...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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35:12
The Solution Factor with Peter Brehm
Show SummaryIn 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 fo...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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37:19
The Arts Factor with Kathryn Vicere
Show SummaryKathryn 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...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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25:11
The Participation Factor with Chief of Police Jason Lando
Show SummaryChief 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 Jaso...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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25:59
The Vibrance Factor with Sandra Hofmeister
Show SummaryBorn 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 femal...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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17:14
The Opportunity Factor with Shana Knight of SOUL Street (Part 1)
Guest BioAlthough she is not a native, Shana Knight has lived in Frederick County most of her life and is proudly rooted in this community. She is a Frostburg State University graduate with a degree in Mass Communication ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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20:47
Episode 0: Passing the Torch - Meet the Host of Season Two of the Frederick Factor
Show SummaryMeet 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, a...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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25:58
The Uniqueness Factor with Nikki Reineck of Sisters in Style
Show SummaryFor 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 Si...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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29:42
The Culture Factor with Elizabeth Chung of the Asian American Center of Frederick
Show SummaryOur 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...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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49:47
The Hope Factor with Aje Hill of I Believe In Me
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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32:52
The Entrepreneurship Factor with Janece Lee of HEISIS
Show SummaryThis 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...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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36:35
The Friendship Factor With Jose Bueso
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 f...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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26:52
The Always Learning Factor With Em Perper
Show SummaryIf 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 l...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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42:08
The Empowerment Factor with Xavier Bruce of Uplift Energy Coaching
Show Summary:In this conversation with Dr. Xavier Bruce, we hear his story firsthand and what led him to become the change he wanted to see in the world. In this episode, Xavier (or Dr. X) shares his experience retiring from th...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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28:18
The 'Cheering On the Underdog' Factor With Sue Hough of Octavo Designs
Show SummarySue Hough is a long-time friend and collaborator of Platinum PR (the team behind the podcast) and is a force of creativity and good in Frederick, Maryland. In this episode, Sue shares her perspective on starting and...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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21:38
The Mentorship Factor With Ashleigh Kiggans of MacRo Commercial Real Estate
Show SummaryOur guest Ashleigh Kiggans is a stand-out CRE agent, Vice President of MacRo, dedicated community member, and passionate Frederick resident. Sandy spoke with Ashleigh on her career journey, her tips for young underr...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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25:18
The Impact Factor With Dr. Jackie Douge of What is Black?
Show Summary:As a pediatrician with a health background and as a parent, Jackie Douge has seen the impact of health disparities on Black children and adults in an up-close and personal way. As the host of the podcast
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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31:07
The Accessibility Factor With Eric Jorgenson of Special Needs Navigator
Show SummaryWe loved this conversation with Eric Jorgensen, and we’re sure you’ll walk away with as many insights as we did. If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, you’ll gain tremendous value from hearing Eric’s sto...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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37:45
The Authenticity Factor with Angel and Crystal Rivera of Puerto Rico Distillery
Show SummaryThis episode features a lively and fun conversation with the team behind Frederick’s Puerto Rico Distillery, Angel Rivera and Crystal Rivera. They shared their love of Puerto Rican moonshine and what makes it so spe...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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37:07