We are excited to announce two brand-new episodes of the View from the Top podcast, recorded at The Hub CoWorks in downtown Rutland, Vermont! Hosted by Program Director Bill Lucci and produced by Marketing Manager Liam Rodgers, the podcast features insightful conversations with Vermont’s influential figures.
Coming on Friday, October 11th, is the conversation with C.J. Knudsen, Senior Vice President of the Vermont Lake Monsters, and Tom Messner, retired meteorologist, now Host/Producer for Vermont Startup News and part owner of the Vermont Lake Monsters.
During the episode, Tom Messner reflects on his 30+ years as an on-air meteorologist, sharing stories about how he got his start at a radio station before auditioning for and landing a weekend weather forecaster role. He recalls going back to school to get his AMS certification while also juggling multiple roles, including hosting a kids’ show. Although he retired from TV, Tom is still very active, finding joy in being an on-field personality for the Lake Monsters and connecting with the community. Tom’s passion for live, on-location filming still shines through, and he discusses how much he enjoys his current role, blending his love for weather, sports, and live events.
In the same episode, C.J. Knudsen shares his journey from Keene State College, where he first developed an interest in sports and business. Starting by selling gym memberships, he quickly transitioned into sports management, landing an internship with the Vermont Expos, which later turned into a full-time role as assistant GM. C.J. became the youngest head GM at age 25 and shares fascinating insights into the Lake Monsters’ role in Vermont, from drawing an average of 2,500 visitors per game to fun promotions like 25-cent hotdog nights and free meals for kids on Wednesdays. C.J. also talks about his contributions to the community, such as the Lake Monsters’ charitable donations and community-building events, like the friendly “Food Fight Night” where the Vermont Creemees (Lake Monsters) faced off against the Maine Lobster Rolls (Norwich).
Following that, on Friday, October 25th, Senator Brian Collamore will take the mic for a conversation about his work in Vermont politics, recent legislative updates, and his interests beyond public service. Senator Collamore’s experience and dedication to Vermont make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the state’s political landscape and getting to know one of the people representing Vermonters.
Mark your calendars for these October 11th and October 25th releases! Whether you’re interested in Vermont sports, local business, or state politics, View from the Top has something for everyone.
Stay tuned for these exciting episodes and catch them on your favorite podcast platforms. For more updates, follow The Hub CoWorks on social media and catch up on any missed episodes here or below: