First Impressions, a new audio podcast from Delta Dental of New Jersey, discusses the opportunities facing small business leaders and operators in New Jersey. Hosted by Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ, the show’s content will take a practical look at how small businesses can best thrive, covering everything from leadership styles and operating considerations to the economic environment and recruiting and retention.

Episode 1: Empowering Small Businesses: Insights from the CEO of NJDEA

Host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ, interviews Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), on the state's initiatives to support small businesses, focusing on tools for startups, resources for growing businesses, and advice for small business owners to navigate challenges and leverage available resources. 

Episode 2: Innovation and Authenticity: How Triangle Manufacturing Stays Ahead

Host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ, sits down with Dax Strohmeyer, President and CEO of Triangle, a family-owned medical device manufacturer based in New Jersey. They explore Triangle’s journey from humble beginnings in a garage to becoming a 70-year-old multigenerational business. They also chat about innovation in manufacturing, overcoming workforce challenges, and preserving family legacy while fostering authenticity in leadership. 

Episode 3: Relationships First: The Secret to NAI James E. Hanson's Success

Host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ,  chats with Bill Hanson, CEO of NAI James E. Hanson, a third-generation family-owned commercial real estate firm in Northern New Jersey. They discuss the company’s history, the dynamics of running a family business, and the importance of building relationships and maintaining a strong company culture. 

Episode 4: Strategic Growth: John Harmon on Empowering Minority Entrepreneurs 

Host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ,  and John Harmon, founder and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, look at the growth of Black-owned businesses post-pandemic, the ongoing challenges of access to capital, and strategies for minority entrepreneurs to scale and sustain their businesses. John also shares insights into industry opportunities and the importance of building relationships and leveraging partnerships for success. 

Episode 1: Getting Your Business 100-Point Ready with Jake Reynolds, NJ Devils president

Join host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ, as he sits down with Jake Reynolds, president of the New Jersey Devils. They’ll talk about Jake’s philosophy of being 100-point ready, what marketing and selling tickets as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender looks like, and the ways the Devils embrace being New Jersey’s only professional sports team and giving back to its home city of Newark. As president of the New Jersey Devils, Jake oversees the business operations and strategy for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s (HBSE) three-time Stanley Cup-winning franchise. Tom and Jake also bond over their shared love of Utah and which national parks are a must-see.

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Episode 2: Talking All Things Business with Tom Bracken, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President and CEO

Host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ, chats with Tom Bracken, President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, about all things business in New Jersey: big business, small business, where the economy and bond ratings fit in, and the resources--and big benefits!--the New Jersey Chamber offers members.

Episode 3: Celebrating Small Businesses with Michele Siekerka, NJBIA

Host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ, spends some time with Michele Siekerka, President and CEO of NJBIA, discussing the challenges and opportunities facing urban vs. suburban small businesses, women in the workplace, and why great businesses make great communities. Tom and Michele also bond over The Boss, Bruce Springsteen.

Episode 4: Why Coaching is Like Being a CEO with Coach Tony Bozzella, Head Coach of Seton Hall University’s Women’s Basketball Team

Host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ, has some face time with Coach Tony Bozzella, alum turned head coach of Seton Hall University’s Women’s Basketball Team on how coaching is like being a modern-day CEO, from the point at which personal brands become side hustles and what recruiting a great Pirates team looks like. Tom and Coach Tony take some downtime to reminisce about his favorite Seton Hall Women’s basketball team moment in his ten-year tenure.

Episode 5: Why Culture Reigns Supreme for Any Small Business with Jake Reynolds, President of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center

Host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ, is back with Jake Reynolds, President of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. This time, they’re talking about the Devils’ corporate culture at Prudential Center, from why it’s so valuable to how it influences an organization’s mission, values, and business trajectory. Tom and Jake end their conversation with how Prudential Center has something for everyone when it comes to restaurants, music, and, of course, the New Jersey Devils.

Episode 6: Making New Jersey a Go-To Small Business Destination with Tim Sullivan, CEO of New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ, sits down with Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), to talk about how the NJEDA works, programs like the Innovation Evergreen Fund and the Main Steet Recovery Finance Program it offers small business owners, and the challenges and opportunities facing businesses and the economy. Tom and Tim also chat about NJEDA’s Sustain and Serve NJ initiative to combat food insecurity and how New Jersey can maintain its competitive advantage in sectors like film, TV, and pharma to have the Garden State be THE place to be for companies, large and small.

Episode 7: Making the Employer: Employee Relationship Meaningful with Amy Vazquez, Vice President of the Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ)

Host Tom Bergeron, editor of ROI-NJ, pulls up a chair and chats with Amy Vazquez, vice president of the Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ), on how employers can increase employee engagement and satisfaction, which includes offering flexibility for family life obligations and robust and essential health benefits packages and making work more meaningful by empowering employees to take ownership of their roles. They also talk about the mandated benefits New Jersey small business owners may not know are available to them and the trainings and access to professional staff the 100-year plus EANJ offers its over 500 members.