Good Neighbor Podcast: North Shore

Meet Nicholas Paolucci, founder of Mass Architect, a forward-thinking firm revolutionizing residential design in Massachusetts with speed, affordability, and sustainability at its core. From his education at Auburn University to launching his own firm in 2016, Nicholas has carved out a unique space in the industry as a solo practitioner focused on efficient, personalized service. Specializing in home additions, renovations, and new...

Mark Anderson, owner of MWA Health and Fitness, redefines wellness beyond the gym, blending physical training with nutrition, sleep optimization, and mental health. His journey from Marine to holistic wellness advocate fuels his mission to debunk fitness myths, such as the misconception that calorie counting alone guarantees results or that weight training makes women "bulky." His studio embraces a personalized, whole-bod...

Sabrina Auclair founded Unpacked Living in 2019 to combat the overwhelming waste generated by American consumer culture. Her zero-waste store challenges misconceptions about sustainable living, proving that eco-friendly products can be affordable and accessible. Specializing in “naked products” and refillable options, Unpacked Living serves Massachusetts’ North Shore through a physical location and reaches customers nationwide via ...

Chris Arson unveils the artistry and effort behind wedding photography, proving it's far more than just clicking a button. From shooting with an iPhone to building a full-time career on both coasts, his 12-year journey highlights the extensive planning and coordination that ensure seamless wedding days. Through candid insights, he dispels pricing misconceptions and emphasizes that successful photography involves intricate logi...

Rob Arndt turned hardship into purpose, shaping a mission that empowers veterans beyond their military service. After 14 years in the Marine Corps, he recognized the widespread underemployment of veterans—61% stuck in roles that fail to harness their skills. As the founder and CEO of Buffer Springs, Rob addresses the disconnect between military experience and civilian careers, dispelling misconceptions about service members' e...

Master arborist Josh Fritz has spent 28 years uncovering the hidden wonders of tree preservation, from the underground fungal networks that allow trees to communicate to the historical significance of Boston’s oldest trees. His journey into arboriculture was inspired by his great-uncle, a tree surgeon who encouraged him to pursue work that was both meaningful and enjoyable. Though a water skiing accident prevented Fritz from climbi...

Carrie Shea founded The Preppy Mess with a simple yet powerful idea—your everyday purchases can drive meaningful change. During COVID-19, she realized that navigating a busy life as a mother of two didn’t mean sacrificing ethical consumerism. Her Instagram-based shop curates sustainable alternatives to toxic household products, making conscious shopping both accessible and realistic. Acknowledging the convenience of major retailers...

Nancy Hughes combines her background as a math teacher with her passion for real estate to bring a unique perspective to property transactions on Massachusetts' North Shore. As part of Jack Conway Realty, she leverages her community engagement experiences, like coordinating volunteer efforts for Swampscott's Kids Cove playground, to offer a client-centered approach. Nancy emphasizes education and guidance in real estate, ...

Ever wonder what happens when traditional garden design meets ecological consciousness? Andrea Bustolin of Speakeasy Garden merges beauty, sustainability, and purpose through her innovative landscaping approach. What began with a shovel, an old truck, and word-of-mouth referrals has grown into a full ecological design firm. From English cottage gardens to food forests, Andrea reimagines familiar styles using medicinals, edibles, an...

Peter Laufer shares the 40-year history of Metropolitan Cabinets and Countertops, a third-generation family business with multiple showrooms across greater Boston. As manufacturers rather than dealers, they control quality, pricing, and timelines directly while working closely with contractors, architects, designers, and homeowners.

• Founded over 40 years ago by Stuart and Mike Elfland when they saw an opportunity after a...

Modern heat pumps are transforming home heating and cooling in New England, despite lingering myths about their effectiveness. Matt Kidd, owner of Endless Energy, refutes these misconceptions while showcasing his company's evolution from a solar energy provider to a full-service home energy specialist. With a dedicated team of 80 professionals covering heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical work, and MassSave energy assessment...

Who holds businesses accountable for their promises? Paula Fleming, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of the Better Business Bureau, sheds light on the BBB’s role in building trust and transparency in today’s marketplace. Contrary to popular belief, the BBB isn’t a government agency but a nonprofit supported by its accredited members. Fleming outlines the rigorous standards businesses must meet for accreditation—rejecting up to 15%...

Stephen Chambers turned an unexpected assignment to refrigeration school during his biomedical equipment career into a lifelong passion for HVAC services. In 1991, he founded Chambers Heating and AC Service, a family-owned company embodying strong values and teamwork alongside his two brothers. Serving Massachusetts' North Shore, Chambers provides honest heating, cooling, and hot water solutions rooted in integrity and custome...

What happens when a 35-year law enforcement veteran turns his attention to preventing workplace violence before it starts? Meet Paul Manley, retired police lieutenant and owner of Risk Mitigation Technologies LLC, who is redefining how organizations think about safety. Drawing from decades of experience, Paul goes beyond the typical reliance on cameras and guards to focus on the root causes of workplace violence—examining behaviors...

Ever wondered how a passion for radio could lead to the creation of a unique cross-cultural platform? Join us as Steve Warren, the visionary behind China America Radio Station, shares his fascinating journey. From early influences like his father and his high school radio days to founding MOR Media in 1987, Steve's story is one of innovation and cultural connection. His insights from Sirius XM Satellite Radio unveiled a market...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Sarai Martinez, the dynamic owner of Sarai by Day, as she shares the inspiring story of her journey in the hairstyling industry. With a career spanning over two decades in New England, Sarai talks about the hard work and relationship-building that have paved her path to success. From session styling for big names like Reebok and Nike to providing tailored services at her own salon in Sale...

Gia Zermani's journey from a Clinique employee to the founder of Waalà Beauty highlights her commitment to personalized care in the beauty industry. Inspired by her best friend's talent and propelled by necessity during her time in the music industry, Gia honed her stage makeup skills and later worked with renowned brands like Sephora, Dior, and Chanel. She identified a gap in customer attention that led her to establish ...

Dan Bernal's journey into real estate began unexpectedly when a failed property deal left him homeless with his newborn baby. This challenging moment ignited his dedication to client advocacy, which has shaped his 20-year career in property sales. Now a Senior Agent at Atlantic Coast Homes, Dan is known for his expertise and community-focused approach in Salem, Massachusetts and the North Shore area. He emphasizes the importan...

Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful family business that changes lives? Meet Gabrielle Kenney, who grew up watching her parents build Right at Home, a thriving senior care company now serving communities from Boston to New Hampshire and Maine. Gabrielle is passionate about dispelling misconceptions about home care, emphasizing that it's not about taking away independence but helping seniors maintain autonomy whil...