Rock Coast Entrepreneurs

?? Entrepreneur’s Hour Episode 22 is NOW on YouTube! ?? This week, Diana Castle joins host Chris Austin to talk about leadership, work-life balance, and launching a side business while thriving in a corporate career. With 30 years in business banking and strategy, Diana has built a career on strong leadership and execution—skills that helped her start and grow a successful short-term rental business in Sunday River and manages another property in Midcoast Maine. But this episode went beyond the business talk! We dove into: ?? The importance of family time, including dinner at the table ?? The stigma around short-term rentals and why the real focus should be on their positive impact ?? How her rental business creates opportunities for local small businesses ?? The power of entrepreneurial networks—why surrounding yourself with others in your industry isn’t always about competition, but about partnerships and shared success ?? Watch now on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/euX7SiEq ?? Like, share & subscribe for more inspiring entrepreneur stories! #EntrepreneursHour #MaineBusiness #ShortTermRentals #PropertyManagement #WomenInBusiness #MaineEntrepreneurs #Leadership #SideHustle #WorkLifeBalance #SmallBusinessSupport #CommunityImpact

?? Episode 18 of Entrepreneur’s Hour is now live! ?? This week, host Chris Austin welcomes James Davis, CEO of North Country Wind Bells/Maine Buoy Bells, to the show! James had an incredible 35-year career managing multi-million-dollar construction projects before making the leap into entrepreneurship. Now, he’s leading the revival of a 50-year-old Maine business, bringing handcrafted wind bells back to life in Round Pond, Maine. ?? Watch now on YouTube or listen on WRFR 93.3 Rockland! ?? James’ transition from construction to small business owner ?? The challenges of relaunching a beloved brand after two years of closure ?? His commitment to mentorship, leadership, and community impact ?? The future of North Country Wind Bells(R) Plus, we wrap up with fun rapid-fire questions so you can get to know James beyond the business world! ?? Watch Episode 18 here: https://lnkd.in/eQ9UisGf ?? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Rock Coast Entrepreneurs on YouTube! #EntrepreneursHour #SmallBusiness #MaineBusiness #Leadership #WRFR #NorthCountryWindBells #RoundPondMaine #Podcast

?? Calling All Entrepreneurs and Supporters in Knox County! ?? Are you a local entrepreneur, business owner, or part of an organization that supports entrepreneurs in Knox County, Maine? Here's your chance to share your story and make an impact! Join Chris Austin, President of Rock Coast Entrepreneurs and host of the Entrepreneur's Hour, for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to showcase your journey, what you do, and how you’re helping others. ?? When: Tuesdays, 7 AM - 8 AM ?? Where: WRFR 93.3 Rockland or live-streamed online Why Be on the Show? ? Share Your Story: Highlight your entrepreneurial journey, successes, and lessons learned. ? Promote Your Brand: Introduce your business or organization to a local audience. ? Inspire and Connect: Engage with other entrepreneurs, create connections, and be a resource for our community. ? Support Local Growth: Be a voice that uplifts Knox County’s entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re an established business owner, a startup founder, or an organization passionate about empowering entrepreneurs, we want to hear from you! ?? Direct Message us on here today to schedule your guest spot on Entrepreneur’s Hour. Let’s shine a spotlight on your work and inspire our community! Let’s celebrate entrepreneurship and collaboration in Knox County—together! ?? #EntrepreneursHour #RockCoastEntrepreneurs #SupportLocal #KnoxCountyMaine #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness

?? New Episode Alert! ?? Our latest episode of Entrepreneur's Hour with Chris Austin is now live on YouTube! This week, Chris sits down with Evan Wiggins, owner of Cheeks Divine Cannabis, to explore his journey of turning a vision into a thriving medical cannabis delivery service right here in Maine’s Mid-Coast. ??? In this episode, you’ll learn: ? How Evan built his business from the ground up. ? The challenges and opportunities in Maine’s cannabis industry. ? The impact of regulations and what federal reclassification could mean for entrepreneurs like Evan. ?? Whether you’re curious about the cannabis industry, an aspiring entrepreneur, or interested in how regulations shape small businesses, this episode is packed with insights! ?? Watch it now on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gxyjsd_Y ?? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories! #EntrepreneursHour #CheeksDivineCannabis #CannabisIndustry #MaineBusiness #WRFR #ChrisAustin #YouTubeRelease

?? New Episode Alert! ?? ??? Join Chris Austin, host of Entrepreneur’s Hour and President of Rock Coast Entrepreneurs, as he sits down with two inspiring guests: ?? Erick Anderson, Chair of the Camden Area Business Group (CABG) ?? Brandy Perkins, Programs Director for Rockland Main Street, Inc. In today’s episode, we’re unveiling the Penobscot Bay Community Collaboration (PBCC)—an exciting new alliance that’s stepping up to fill the gaps left by the shuttered chamber of commerce. ?? Here’s what we’re covering: ? The vision of PBCC: Uniting organizations to support the Midcoast business community. ? Bringing back key events like the Business Expo, Business After Hours, and more. ? Partnering across the region to strengthen businesses and create a thriving, connected community. PBCC isn’t replacing the chamber—it’s about working together to support businesses and ensure the Penobscot Bay area remains strong and vibrant. ?? Tune in now to discover how this collaboration is paving the way for a brighter future for our community! ?? https://lnkd.in/gdHhEMh2 ?? Tell us your thoughts: What events or programs would you love to see PBCC bring back or new initiatives to the Midcoast region? #EntrepreneursHour #PBCC #CommunityCollaboration #BusinessSupport #MidcoastMaine #RockCoastEntrepreneurs #NetworkingEvents #BusinessExpo

?? The Power of Connection This Holiday Season ?? As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to recognize the vital work of chambers of commerce and downtown business groups like Rockland Main Street, Inc. and the Camden Area Business Group. These organizations support local businesses, drive economic growth, and help build vibrant communities. In this week’s blog, Chris Austin, President of Ardiah, highlights: ? Why these groups are essential ? The benefits of getting involved ? What communities stand to lose if they didn’t exist This season of giving let’s support these organizations and help them thrive. Whether you’re a business owner or a community member, getting involved can make a real difference. ?? Read the blog here: https://lnkd.in/ef4qQVA2 #CommunityLeadership #ChamberOfCommerce #BusinessGrowth #SeasonOfGiving #HolidaySpirit #Ardiah

?? New Episode Alert: Don’t Miss What Our Educators Are Doing for the St. George Community! ?? We're excited to share the latest episode on the Rock Coast Entrepreneurs' YouTube Channel! This week, we’re joined by Mike Felton and Paul Meinersmann from St. George MSU to discuss their transformative CTE/Makerspace Building Project. ?? ?? What to Expect: ? How this project connects the community as a Connectivity Hub. ? Partnerships with incredible organizations like the Mid-Coast School of Technology and The Roux Institute. ? Solutions for workforce development and childcare challenges. ?? Watch Now: https://lnkd.in/efqGdXyN If you’re passionate about innovation, education, or community development, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories. ??? #RockCoastEntrepreneurs #CTE #Makerspace #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityConnections #EducationInnovation

?? New Episode Alert! ?? Episode 8 of Entrepreneur's Hour is now up for your viewing pleasure on our YouTube channel! In this special episode, Chris Austin hosts a Q&A with Rockland City Council candidates, Mayor Nicole Kalloch and her challenger, David Statman, where they dive into the future of Rockland, balancing community growth, and their visions for our business community. Catch all the insights and learn about the candidates' perspectives on key local issues. Watch now and join the conversation! ?? ?? Watch Episode 8 Here: https://lnkd.in/eErYtE6b #EntrepreneursHour #RocklandMaine #RockCoastEntrepreneurs #LocalLeadership #CommunityMatters #BusinessCommunity #SupportLocal #MaineBusiness

?? New Episode Alert! ?? We just released Episode 7 of Entrepreneur’s Hour on our YouTube channel! ??? In this episode, Chris Austin sits down with Erick Anderson, a Midcoast Maine native and a true leader in the luxury hospitality industry with over 22 years of experience. Erick shares his journey as the Area General Manager of Bay View Collection, his role as Chair of the Camden Area Business Group, and his position on the Board of the Maine Tourism Association. Plus, Erick dives into how his creative side as a design and sign hobbyist helps businesses stand out with fresh branding and rebranding ideas. Catch the full conversation on leadership, entrepreneurship, and creativity now! ???? ?? Watch the episode here: https://lnkd.in/eMphDJXu Don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more insights from local business leaders and entrepreneurs! ??? #EntrepreneursHour #RockCoastEntrepreneurs #SmallBusiness #Leadership #LuxuryHospitality #MaineBusiness #CreativeEntrepreneur #SubscribeNow #BusinessInspiration #NewEpisode #YouTube #mainetourism

??? Special Edition of Entrepreneur’s Hour – October 29th! ??? Join Chris Austin on Tuesday, October 29th, from 7am-8am on WRFR 93.3 Rockland (or stream live on their website) for a Q&A session with Rockland City Council candidates Nicole Kalloch and David Statman. This hour-long session will feature questions submitted by local Rockland businesses and organizations, with a chance to text in your questions live during the show! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the candidates as they answer your questions in a non-debate format. ?? Date: October 29th ?? Time: 7am-8am ?? Where to listen: WRFR 93.3 Rockland or stream online ?? Guests: Nicole Kalloch & David Statman ?? Text your questions live – at least 3 will be answered on-air! Miss the live show? Catch the replay on Election Day, November 5th! Tune in, get informed, and be part of the conversation ahead of Election Day! #EntrepreneursHour #RocklandME #RocklandCityCouncil #QandA #LocalElections #WRFR #RocklandMainStreet #PenBayChamber #RocklandCommunity #ChrisAustin #SupportSmallBusiness #Election2024