INTERVIEW WITH ROWAN FREEMAN

Rowan Freeman, a rising high-school junior, is the voice behind “Shop Talk” (shoptalkpodcast.org),a podcast that highlights local businesses and the people who run them. Through his interviews, he explores the stories, challenges, and relationships that shape the town’s small business community. Here, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating the episodes.

How do you think being a high school student shapes the kinds of conversations you’re able to have?

Being a high-school student allows me to have honest conversations that might not happen in a more formal setting. I appreciate the advice and life lessons the store owners share with me. They are open about the importance of working in any service-centered job, whether it’s washing dishes or answering phones. Ryan Harris from The Standard shared how any role in a restaurant can be invaluable for a young entrepreneur.

When you listen back to your conversations, what elements tend to linger with you afterward?

When I listen back to my conversations, the things that linger most are the life lessons and advice the entrepreneurs share, like when Peter Falzo, the owner of Vinnie’s talked about trying everything as a young aspiring entrepreneur. Hearing about the challenges they had to overcome to get where they are reminds me that success comes with setbacks, persistence, and learning along the way.

How has spending time with these business owners shaped the way you notice everyday life in Millburn and Short Hills?

Spending time with Millburn business owners has changed my perspective on local businesses. I now recognize the challenges they’ve faced in building their businesses and how the risks they’ve taken have shaped where they are today. As a result, I’ve made a commitment to support these small businesses by shopping locally rather than going out of town.

What did you learn about the customer-owner relationship that you hadn’t really considered before?

I didn’t realize how personal and deep the relationships between shop owners and customers could be. Shala Powell from Shala’s shared how moms would leave $20 with her in case their child walking through town needed cash. Marc Hausman from Footnotes stopped in the middle of our interview to greet a customer and ask if they found everything they were looking for.

How do different business owners define ‘community’?

Each business owner I’ve spoken with has talked about how their business could not have survived without the Millburn and Short Hills community. They are grateful for the relationships they’ve built over the years and how those relationships are the foundation of their success. For them, success comes not only from financial achievement but from the relationships that make them feel fulfilled and happy.

What have you noticed about how people talk about success versus how they actually experience it?

Andrew Morgan from Millburn Deli and Sam Eckstein from Springbone both shared how the most important things they learned in business came from on-the-job experience, not a classroom. They explained that there is no predictability to success and that it requires flexibility and commitment. They also emphasized that you can’t plan for every challenge along the way.

What feels most important to capture when you’re telling someone’s story?

It’s most important to capture the personal stories behind the business—how they started, how they pivoted, and how they persevered. I also focus on their motivations, challenges, and values. I loved hearing how Vinnie’s was inspired by Peter’s uncle and how his goal is to bring people together through a shared love of food.

How do you think your generation fits into the future of places like the ones you feature?

I think my generation will play a significant role in the future of these local businesses. We can bring new technology and fresh ideas while continuing to support local shops. I hope that, through platforms like my podcast, we can build appreciation for Millburn businesses so they continue to thrive with the support of the next generation.

Photograph courtesy of Rowan Freeman