Shop Talk is a podcast series that shines a light on local businesses in my hometown of Millburn, New Jersey. Through the podcast, I show how local businesses succeed by taking risks, being flexible, overcoming adversity, making smart moves, and going out of their comfort zone to find solutions to challenges to innovate and grow. By interviewing Millburn’s local business owners and the Executive Director of the Business Improvement District organization, we aim to bring attention to stores in our small town to help them thrive with growing competition from online businesses and the busy Short Hills Mall nearby. 

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About The Founder

My name is Rowan Freeman and I am a sophomore at Newark Academy High School. I have a passion for entrepreneurship and I am always thinking about ideas for businesses, from creating a snack company to designing a clothing line. I began my entrepreneurship in 5th grade when I started an “All-Sports School” teaching younger kids skills and strategy to improve their game. In high school, I am currently a member of the Entrepreneurship Club, where we brainstorm business ideas and pitch them to student leaders. I am also a part of the Student Endowment Committee where we invest the school's money through a trust fund. Through the SHOPTALK podcast, I’d like to showcase my hometown innovators, while learning from them and growing as an entrepreneur myself. My hope is to expand and bring this same spotlight to other local shops in small towns across the country.