Jul 15, 2024 | Real Estate
An interview with Jean Carlson
Jean, tell us about CARLSON GROUP and how it got started. I have been in the real estate brokerage business most of my life, over 50 years. My mother was an agent in Maine, and I married Richard Carlson who owned a real estate company, Carlson Real Estate, one of the largest in New England. My two children grew up in a real estate family. After Carlson Real Estate was sold, we formed a new three-generation family group (son, daughter, daughter-in-law and grandson) of experienced Realtors, the CARLSON GROUP (Jean Carlson, Sean Gildea, Jodi Gildea, Traci Howe and Wells Howe). We then joined Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty because it is the #1 most profiled luxury real estate brand in the world. We all live in Marblehead and work together to service the entire North Shore. We’re proud to hold the record for closing the highest-priced residential property in Marblehead – “Let our family help your family with your real estate needs.”
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and the way you make others feel is your trademark.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? I love the sight of Abbot Hall with its clock tower that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hall serves as a beacon for our town and is the center of our local government. I love the original painting, “The Spirit of ‘76”, by Archibald Willard that hangs inside Abbot Hall. There is also a maritime museum and many displays of Marblehead’s unique history which I find very interesting.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a member of The Mayflower Society. Although I was born in Maine, I am a direct descendant of the Mayflower Pilgrim, Isaac Allerton, who started one of the first fishing enterprises in Marblehead in 1629. The street, Allerton Place, at Glover Landing, is named after him. In researching my ancestry, I discovered that I must have a lot of distant cousins in town. I am a direct descendant of Marbleheaders’—Adams, Gatchell, Hawkes, Hooper and Peach.
CARLSON GROUP
Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty
Owners: Jean Carlson, Sean Gildea, Jodi Gildea, Traci Howe and Wells Howe
carlsongroupre.com
Jul 10, 2024 | Activities, Businesses, Community, Marine
What inspires you about running Satori Sailing Marblehead? I’m inspired by the clients we serve. From Marblehead residents and beyond, I’ve met so many fascinating people over the past five years of being in business. It’s a privilege to offer a service that brings people such joy.
What are some of the new classes and offerings you have available this year? For the sailing school, we’re offering more advanced sail training to support clients at all stages of their sailing education. New classes include docking, sail trim and bareboat vacation charter training. Also, our women’s weeknight practice sails are a huge hit. On the charter side, we’re very excited about a new partnership with Sail Beyond Cancer (sailbeyondcancer.org). We’re assisting this wonderful organization to fulfill their mission of offering patients and their family’s opportunities to spend time together while enjoying the beauty of sailing.
What is something new you’ve learned as a business owner this past year? Just when you think you’ve got things a bit figured out, some new challenge arises but it’s best to just stay flexible. This is why I love the quote, “You can’t change the wind, but you can adjust your sails”
What is something you’ve always wanted to do or be a part of (and why) in Marblehead, but haven’t yet? I would love to see Parker’s Boatyard revitalized to provide greater public access to the main harbor during the summer months. There are many of us in town, with a range of experience, who would be excited to volunteer our time. I am hopeful that this will come to fruition eventually.
Satori Sailing Marblehead
Owner: Captain James Ashton
SailSatori.com
Jul 4, 2024 | Community, Events, Non-Profit
An interview with Barbara Spiess Miller…
Tell us about the Lobster Lunch at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. The first Lobster Lunch at St. Michael’s was held in 1972. After becoming an exhibit venue for the Festival of Arts the previous year, it seemed a good idea to create a fundraising opportunity around the Festival. It’s been held every year since then with the exception of 1974 and the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. In the early days, lobster rolls were served in the basement of the parish hall. During the 1980’s, members of the parish became more involved with local mission work, as well as entering into a partnership with a parish, St. Thomas, in Arcahaie, Haiti. By 1994, it was decided that all net proceeds of the event would be shared between local charities and the parish of St. Thomas and its school in Haiti. A number of years ago, we moved to serving under the tent on our front lawn, greatly increasing our visibility and thus our revenue. To date we have raised $435,591 for charity and mission work.
What is your favorite part about being a Lobster Lunch chair? How long have you been helping to plan the event? My husband Bill and I have been a part of the Lobster Lunch for at least 35 years. Over that period I have either chaired or co-chaired it a number of times. It’s a ton of work, but we always have a great team. I can’t imagine celebrating the 4th of July any other way. It’s the most festive and fun atmosphere. My favorite part is being able to welcome the community to St. Michael’s and visitors to Marblehead.
What are the dates and times of the Lobster lunch this year? Are there any other activities included that day with St. Michael’s Church? This year the Lobster Lunch will be held Thursday, July 4 through Saturday, July 6 from 11am to 3pm daily. In addition, we’ll once again host the Festival of Arts Sculpture and Mixed Media exhibit in our parish hall. Historic church tours will be offered daily from 10am – 3pm. Our Thrift Shop will be open 10am – 5pm daily. The public can also participate in ringing our bell at noon on July 4th to celebrate Independence Day. Last, but certainly not least, we have Sunday service on July 7 at 9am on the front lawn under the tent – the community is invited.
What makes St. Michael’s location so special? We’re located in the heart of town, where much of Marblehead’s early history happened. It’s a vibrant area where your neighbors are close and yet at times is amazingly serene and peaceful. When the breeze is right, you can smell the salt air wafting in through the open windows. It doesn’t get better than that.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Something many people don’t know about me is that I’m also the Directress of the Marblehead Female Humane Society (MFHS), having succeeded Lee Bartlett Weed in that role, who was a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Church.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
Interview with Barbara Spiess Miller
26 Pleasant St, Marblehead
stmichaels1714.org
Recent Comments