Show Summary In 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 2021, it’s become a popular place to connect, socialize, network, and enjoy the wide variety of taps, nonalcoholic beverages, delicious food, and 5,000+ feet of space. The technology inside the taphouse provides a unique experience not found in regular bars or restaurants. Tune in to hear Audi’s story of starting her first business in Frederick and how Frederick Social ha ..read more

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 to break ..read more

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 ha ..read more

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 d ..read more

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’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 Dream Free Art’s experienc ..read more

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 of “benef ..read more

Show Summary Kathryn 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 ..read more

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 ..read more

Guest Bio Although 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 and Journalism. Her career path took many twists and turns as she went from working at a local news station behind a camera to working in the nonprofit field for seven years. Working in nonprofits allowed Shana to form many new skills, meaningful connections, and a new love and appreciation for Frederick County.  In the midst of the pandemic and after the death of ..read more

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 Sh ..read more