Tom Leyden chats with Michael Greene from J&L Energy, talking about the services they provide, how the business started and how Mike has built a successful model thanks to his partnership with the MASS Save program. 

Call J&L Energy today for an energy assessment of your home. Most, if not all, of the cost will likely be covered.  Call 781-428-3388

J&L Energy - Michael Greene

Tom Leyden and Derek Field chat from the studios of Field Martial Arts Academy. 

Derek Field is Westwood Living's Expert Contributor in Martial Arts and Self Defense. He started Field Martial Arts, originally in Sharon, and ultimately moved the studio to Norwood.  

He and the staff welcome people of all ages and abilities, teaching beginner's Karate and more advanced Krav Maga and self-defense classes for young adults and adults. 

Tom and Derek chat about their fun time together in Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII among other things as you get to know a little bit more about what makes Field Martial Arts Academy tick.

Field Martial Arts - Derek Field

Tom Leyden and Brian Clinton chat from the Clinton kitchen counter. 

Brian Clinton will always have the honor of being the first sponsor of Westwood Living. Brian is a Westwood resident and you'll get a kick out of how he describes things - "My kids are from Westwood. I'm from Hyde Park." 

Always good for a laugh and some smart insight, Brian shifted his focus to real estate after spending a good portion of his career in city government, working for Boston Mayor Tom Menino and serving as Chief of Staff at City Hall. 

He also introduces his new Westwood non-profit donation program, unveiled as 2023 begins.

Donahue Real Estate - Brian Clinton

Tom Leyden and Christen Cadigan catch up after a very tough workout at Orangetheory Fitness in Islington Center. 

Christen has been a long time coach with Orangetheory and joined the OTF Westwood Family in 2022. She works very closely with owner Tara Berry to create a close-knit community of support. 

"It's a personal training sessoin in a group fitness atmosphere."  A great way to summarize how the team approaches their interaction with each class. You "Race at Your Own Pace," when Christen's running a class. 

We had a good time. 

Call OTF Westwood at 781-904-3100 and take advantage of some of the great offers for new and existing clients.  Read the profile of Orangetheory featured in the June issue of Westwood Living - https://bit.ly/3Xq3q0J

Orangetheory Fitness - Christen Cadigan

Tom Leyden and Gerry Lambert chat from Gerry's classroom at Xaverian Brothers High School. 

Gerry was inducted Saturday, January 28 into the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Gerry joined the coaching staff in 1994 and took over as head coach in 2002, leading the Hawks to state championships in 2004, 2012 and 2021. 

A Westwood resident and husband of Westwood High School graduate, Diana, Gerry will enter the 2023 season with 264 career wins.

Gerry Lambert - 2023 Hall of Famer

Tom Leyden chats with Lauren Watson at The Muffin House. 

Lauren Watson is the owner and operator of Watson College Consulting, providing counsel and guidance for parents and students as they consider their next steps after high school. 

This conversation touches on so many important topics including when kids should really start thinking about the college search, the resources they can use as a guide to prepare, the importance of taking a deep breath, not succumbing to the contagious nature of stress and understanding that "You're not behind."  Really powerful stuff. 

Learn more about Lauren - watsoncollegeconsulting.net

Lauren Watson, Watson College Consulting

Tom Leyden and Jason Baetzhold chat from the Westwood Wegmans on University Avenue. 

Jason Baetzhold is the Area Manager for the Westwood Wegmans. He's been with Wegmans for 16 years, starting as a cashier in Rochester, NY and advancing to a number of different jobs in Massachusetts. 

He took over as Area Manager in October and focuses on community engagement and initiatives.  Tom and Jason discuss the Wegmans culture, the way the company empowers and supports its employees and how important it is to stay engaged with the community. 

Learn more at wegmans.com

Jason Baetzhold - Westwood Wegmans

Tom Leyden catches up Lisa Ponte, who was featured on the cover of the July Issue of Westwood Living. 

Lisa is the founder of LP Vibes and has made an incredible impact over the last two years through her inspirational Affirmation Cards. Lisa shared her personal journey in a very revealing and honest way in an effort to normalize the conversation surrounding mental health and motivate people to be more transparent and accepting. 

In their conversation, Tom and Lisa discuss what solidified her decision to open up so publicly, how her business has grown in the time since and what she does to balance an incredibly busy life as a mother and professional with three jobs. 

Read Lisa's feature from the July issue here - https://tomleyden.com/july-2022

Lisa Ponte, LP Vibes

Tom Leyden chats with Amanda Phillips about her candidacy for re-election to the Westwood School Committee. 

Learn more about Amanda at amanda4westwood.com

Amanda Phillips

Tom Leyden connects with former state champion and three-time national champion Kristen Kjellman Marshall. 

Kristen is widely regarded as one of the most talented and successful American women to ever play lacrosse.  After leading Westwood to its first of ten state championships, in 2003, Kristen went on to lead Northwestern to three national championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007. During the '06 and '07 years, Kristen received the Tewaaraton Award, given each year to the nation's best collegiate lacrosse player. 

Kristen now serves as a private coach for high-level lacrosse players and also works for "We Play Sports," helping universities and athletic departments organize and monetize their video assets.

Kristen Kjellman Marshall

Tom Leyden connects with John Techiera and Jack Rufo of JNJ Cleanings.
 
John and Jack are both Westwood grads who recently finished their second year in college. Longtime baseball teammates, they're now teammates in business, running JNJ Cleanings, a window cleaning business. 

Tom, John and Jack talk about their inspiration and vision and what they're looking to accomplish both now and in the future. 
You can reach the guys by calling 781-888-1879

John Techiera & Jack Rufo - JNJ Cleaning

Tom Leyden chats with Virginia and Nick Kayes at the Barrows Custom Window Treatments showroom on Route 9 in Newton. 

Virginia and Nick Kayes are Westwood residents and owners of Barrows Custom Window Treatments. Barrows sponsors the Barrows Featured Artist of the Month in Westwood Living, allowing us to shine a light on musicians, actors, painters, artists and more from our community. 

Virginia and Nick share the story of how they came to own Barrows and what they've learned about window treatments during their time in the industry. So much has changed with automation and the move away from dangerous pull strings. They've served over 20,000 customers and more than 1,000 homes in Westwood, alone.  Fascinating conversation. 

Learn more by visiting http://www.barrowscwt.com and give Virginia a call at 617-964-4580 to upgrade your house!

Virginia & Nick Kayes: Barrows Custom Window Treatments

Tom Leyden and Christopher Bean connect to chat about the Westwood Living Bean Farm Summer Bonanza and the months ahead at the farm. 

Christopher Bean operates the Bean Family Farm, originally opened in 1971 and operated by his grandfather, Charlie Bean. Chris took over the reins after completing his studies at Cornell and has continued to build the family business, while expanding what the Bean's offer. 

With fall abound and the holiday season approaching thereafter, we talked about the expansion of his Christmas tree business and the TLC that's put in by Grammie Elena making the bows and wreaths that are so popular with customers. 

You can follow The Bean Farm on Instagram - @beanfarm1971

Christopher Bean - The Bean Family Farm

Tom Leyden and Anne Cloherty Fortune connect to talk about the Westwood Community Chest and the 2025 Gala of Giving, scheduled for Saturday, March 29 at the Norfolk Golf Club. 

Anne Fortune is co-president of the Westwood Community Chest, sharing duties with Jim McLaughlin. In her third year on the board, Anne details the many ways The Westwood Community Chest serves Westwood's neighbors, helping financially in times of temporary need. 

The Westwood Community Chest has helped send 600 kids to camp and has provided more than $1.7 million in financial assistance to our neighbors. 

The Gala of Giving will feature food, cocktails and a fabulous silent auction. 

Anne details some of the great items up for bid, including Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots tickets, along with a trip to Stowe, VT, a round of golf at the Charles River Country Club and a driver education package from Needham Driving School - among others. 

Please join us at the Gala of Giving. A limited number of tickets are still available at http://westwoodcommunitychest.org

Anne Cloherty Fortune - Westwood Community Chest

Tom Leyden and Maddie Walter, who was featured on the March cover of Westwood Living, chat at Terma Goods in Dedham. 

Maddie, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in May, 2015, has been a force in the TBI community thanks to her intelligence, fitness and drive. Her commitment to recovery and dedication to helping other people who are experiencing similar challenges is nothing short of inspiring. 

The Walter family formed the non-profit charity called "Life Goes On After TBI" to assist other families who are working to recover from traumatic brain injuries. 

You can find Maddie's story, written by Diana Bezdedeanu at http://www.westwood-living.com/march25 and you can learn more about Life Goes On After TBI by visiting http://www.lgoaftertbi.com

Maddie Walter

Tom Leyden and Diana Brouillard, the co-owner and CEO of Dream Spa Medical, connect to chat about a bunch of topics related to aesthetic and wellness care. 

Diana, whose story was featured on the cover of Westwood Living's May, 2023 issue, details the growth of Dream Spa Medical and what has changed in the world of aesthetics recently.  Not only are more people regularly making aesthetic care a part of their regular routine, they are talking about it. 

Additionally, Diana talks about the use of IV therapies and how working with a Med Spa's staff is a great way to learn about the benefits of semaglutide and begin the weight-loss journey with a knowledgeable, hands-on team.

Lastly, she details a number of events on the calendar where people can learn more about what Dream Spa does and have some fun with the family. 

Find the events at http://www.westwood-living.com and learn more about the Dream Spa Medical team at http://www.dreamspamedical.com

Diana Brouillard

Tom Leyden connects with Bryan Parkin, the general manager of Bar'Cino Westwood at Bar'Cino's bar. 

Bryan Parkin has been with the Newport Restaurant Group for many years and recently took over as the GM of the Westwood Bar'Cino, which opened in November.  During the conversation, Bryan talks about the unique business model that sets the Newport Restaurant Group apart. 

NRG is employee owned, and you'll hear Bryan talk a lot about the "ESOP" model, which refers to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  An ESOP is a retirement plan that gives employees partial or full ownership of a company. ESOPs are designed to align employee interests with those of shareholders. 

Bryan and Tom also discuss Bar'Cino's commitment to community, how the restaurant group regularly engages with town initiatives and, of course, what's been the key to Bar'Cino's success since the November launch. 

Also - they discuss catering, a powerful part of the business that Bryan helped develop and is available at their website, http://www.barcino.com/westwood 

Bryan Parkin - Bar'Cino Westwood

Tom Leyden connects with Charlotte Walsh, the owner of Charles River Running in Norwood, who also was featured on the cover of Westwood Living in April, 2024. 

Charlottte owns and operates her own business in Norwood, and previously served in the United States Marine Corps.  She and Tom discuss her path to military service, how her entire family has served the United States, and what drove her to open up a running store. 

Charlotte's passion for running and her entrepreneurial spirit have made her successful, but her dedication to cultivating a community of runners and walkers makes her incredibly unique.  The Run Strong group can include 80-100 people on any given Thursday when she organizes a gathering, and serves a great purpose for so many in the community

Learn more about Charlotte and Charles River Running by visiting her website at http://www.charlesriverrunning.com

Charlotte Walsh - Charles River Running

Tom Leyden and Charlotte Walsh connect to chat about her second passion, cut-flower farming, and the growth of Dorothy's Flower Garden. 

Charlotte named Dorothy's Flower Garden after her grandmother, who owned a flower shop in Charlottesville, VA.  Charlotte's love or learning and interest in nature drew her to discover the art of cut-flower farming.  She shares with Tom how she's planned for the 2025 season and how people can benefit from the hard work she's put in to creating a farm featuring 14 different varieties of flowers, right in Westwood. 

Learn more about Charlotte and Dorothy's Flower Garden, by visiting http://www.dorothysflowergarden.com

Charlotte Walsh - Dorothys Flower Garden

Tom Leyden connects with Aaron Buczek, president of the Rotary Club of Westwood, to share details of the Annual Rotary Family Pancake Breakfast, scheduled for Sunday, May 4 at First Baptist Church from 9am-12pm. 

Aaron Buczek is a financial advisor at North Atlantic Investment Partners, working in conjunction with Raymond James.  He has been the long-standing president of the Rotary Club, working with a mighty group of members to make a difference in the Westwood community. 

We invite you to join us on Sunday, May 4 for a fun time featuring food, drinks, music, arts & crafts, face-painting and general FUN for the whole family. 

Whichever elementary school has the highest participation by percentage will receive a special party, courtesy of the Rotary Club. 

Tickets are available now at http://bit.ly/rotarypancakes

Aaron Buczek - Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast

Tom Leyden catches up with Ed Jones from Iron Hog BBQ as he feeds the masses at Bubbling Brook. 

Ed Jones and his team from Iron Hog BBQ will be at Bubbling Brook every Tuesday throughout the summer - serving up brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs and mac & cheese.  If you're hungry and want some legit BBQ, now you know where to go. 

You can always call Ed to get authentic BBQ and he'll hook it up for you - 774-279-3660 or visit http://www.ironhogbbq.com 


Ed Jones - Iron Hog BBQ

Tom Leyden connects with Lars Lambros, who has spent 33 years working as a team member at Dedham Health & Athletic Complex. 

Lars Lambros provides a great overview of the many options Dedham Health & Athletic Complex has for kids and families this summer. The Summer Camp Series and Summer Club program are incredibly popular, and a major part of what Dedham Health offers the community in its 241,000 square foot facility. 

It's the time of year to be thinking about what your kids will be doing this summer, so have a listen and learn more by visiting http://www.dedhamhealth.com 


Lars Lambros - Dedham Health & Athletic Complex

Chris Tenaglia - High Pace Construction

Tom Leyden connects with Nathalie Homsy during a very busy week as she prepares Mother's Day and Graduation orders for her customers all over the world. 

Nathalie Homsy, a Westwood resident, built Omniya Delicacy from the ground-up, combining her love of fine chocolate and appreciation for Mediterrean quality with a magnetic personality and drive that has led to great success in less than two years. 

Tom and Nathalie discuss the growth of Omniya, the incredible popularity of the "Dubai Bars," how she's working with companies to help them create meaningful client appreciation packages and how she's managing an international business. 

Learn more about Omniya Delicacy by visiting http://www.omniyas.com and call Nathalie at 781-757-1156

Nathalie Homsy - Omniya Delicacy

Tim Harrison - Why & How Branding Works

Aaron Morehouse - Hale Education

Tom Leyden chats with Shannon Connell, the administrator of White Oak Cottages, about senior living and memory care. 

Shannon Connell has worked at Fox Hill Village for 25 years, spending the last 13 as the administrator at White Oak Cottages, the memory care households at Fox Hill Village in Westwood. 

Tom and Shannon discuss her background, lessons she's learned working in senior living for more than half of her life, questions families should be asking as they prepare to make end-of-life decisions and how to create a checklist of to-dos that make planning easier. 

To learn more, visit http://www.foxhillvillage.com

Shannon Connell - White Oak Cottages at Fox Hill Village

Tom Leyden connects with Jason Dornhoffer to learn more about United Private Car, the business Jason has co-owned for nearly 20 years. 

Jason Dornhoffer is a Westwood resident and founded United Private Car with his friend and colleague, Terry Murtaugh, in 2006. Tom and Jason discuss the growth of the business, how United Private Car has continued to set itself apart from the competition, Jason's experience of living in Westwood since 2003 and what he sees for the future.  

Learn more about United Private Car by visiting http://www.unitedprivatecar.com

Jason Dornhoffer - United Private Car

Tom Leyden and Chris Hancock connect from the gazebo at Westwood's senior center. 

Chris Hancock has entered the Falmouth Road Race for a 20th straight year, once again raising awareness and funds for The Boston House, a home that is near and dear to the Hancock family.  Chris lost his brother to cancer when he was very young, and the costs associated with the cancer fight are staggering. 

The Boston House is a home for people from out of town to live when their loved one is battling cancer.  During the conversation, we also got great updates on each of his three kids, who had incredible months of achievement. 

If you'd like to learn more and support Chris in his effort, you can visit http://bit.ly/falmouthhancock 

Chris Hancock - Running Falmouth for The Boston House

Lina Angelici & Terry Finnegan Lynch: 50th Reunion Co-Chairs

Tom Leyden interviews local business owners and residents to learn more about their journeys and missions. Join the Westwood Living Business Network and start connecting in a meaningful way with others in Westwood and beyond.

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