Building sites and studio mics: MEREDA launches monthly podcast

Three people in podcast recording studio.

Courtesy / MEREDA MEREDA President Craig Young (left) and Vice President Shannon Richards interviewing Kevin French, chairman and CEO of Landry/French Construction, for the first episode of the "MEREDA Matters" podcast.

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By Renee Cordes

Weeks before its annual forest conference, the Maine Real Estate and Development Association aims to put the "real" in real estate with a new podcast launched this week.

"MEREDA Matters," an audio show that promises "to highlight the people, stories and relationships behind the responsible real estate development happening in Maine," debuted this week.

Kevin French, chairman and CEO of Landry/French Construction, was the first guest, interviewed by MEREDA President Craig Young and Vice President Shannon Richards. French and Denis Landry were honored as Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year in 2021.

"If I knew how much work it [the podcast] was going to be I probably wouldn't have done it," Young, a partner and broker at the Boulos Co., told Mainebiz, laughing.

On a more serious note, Young added, "The actual interview part is what I enjoy. I had a really great time. Kevin is a friend and an associate, and as a salesman I am really interested in the story."

Young, a speaker in next week's Mainebiz "Five on the Future" panel, underscored that there's a whole team of people behind the podcast. Episodes are recorded at the Studio Portland, whose website lists Rod Stewart among its clients.

Available on MEREDA's website and various podcast platforms, the podcast is sponsored by NBT Bank. Additional sponsors include Bangor Savings Bank, Clark Insurance and the Boulos Co., whose "Boulos Beat" podcast focuses on commercial real estate.

Young notes that while the "Boulos Beat" is on video and tends to feature clients of the firm in one-on-one interviews, the new "MEREDA Matters" show is audio-only with two hosts.

Pleased with the podcast's strong start, Young said, "it's like my little baby. I'm very proud of it."

Without giving too much away about what's next, he said the second episode will focus on the development of the Sunday River and Sugarloaf ski areas.

Shelly Clark, MEREDA's executive director, said that while accurate information on listeners is not yet available, "feedback has thus far been positive and we are encouraged."