Growing and Moving Forward…
‘Karen and Jay share insights on how the quest for growth lies deep within our nature and the exciting outcomes that can be achieved when tapping into it.'
We all have within us a natural, intuitive desire to grow. We probably don’t even think about it. It’s one of those subconscious urges that drives us forward. Whether it’s a desire to grow our skill sets, our knowledge or even our relationships, as humans we are constantly growing and moving forward. It’s in our nature. And it is especially deeply embedded in our American culture and our spirit of adventure.
The instinct to grow extends beyond personal ambitions; it often translates into a quest for improvement in our communities and society as a whole. This collective urge stems from a fundamental understanding that growth fosters betterment and innovation. In our Sunshine Initiative as we help small towns and communities thrive and grow, we see the unleashing of the human spirit and sense of zest and enthusiasm that is not only exciting but positively contagious in its very nature.
More broadly, throughout our American culture, the desire for personal growth is woven into the very fabric of the national identity. The history of the United States is filled with stories of individuals who dared to dream big and pursue their passions, often overcoming immense obstacles to do so. This spirit of entrepreneurism showcases the inherent belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can make meaningful contributions to society through hard work and innovation. Icons such as Thomas Edison, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs exemplify how the drive for growth can lead to groundbreaking changes that benefit not only themselves but the world at large.
Moreover, the pursuit of growth fosters resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential in an ever-changing world. In the face of societal challenges, such as economic downturns or social unrest, the natural urge to grow propels individuals and communities to seek out solutions, collaborate, and innovate. This ability to pivot and adapt is a cornerstone of societal progress, asserting that growth is not merely about personal success but about engaging with and uplifting others.
The natural urge to grow is an intrinsic aspect of our humanity. As we strive for growth in various forms, we contribute to a more dynamic and vibrant society. This characteristic is deeply rooted in American culture, reflecting a history of innovation and a spirit of entrepreneurism that continues to inspire generations. Embracing this desire not only enhances our lives but also reinforces the interconnected web of humanity, ensuring that as we grow individually, we uplift and empower our communities as well.
As you approach this coming week, I urge you to tap into this powerful, enduring urge and enjoy the journey as you relentlessly pursue your own quest for growth!
Salem’s Quest for Growth: From Historic Roots to a Thriving Destination
Salem, New Hampshire, has a rich history that has shaped its transformation into one of the state's most vibrant communities. Originally settled in the 1600’s as part of Massachusetts, it became an independent New Hampshire town in 1750. For much of the 20th century, Salem was best known for attractions like Canobie Lake Park, a beloved amusement park entertaining families since 1902, and Rockingham Park, a historic horse racing track that drew visitors from across New England for decades. These cultural staples gave Salem a reputation as a destination for entertainment and excitement.
However, Salem’s identity has evolved dramatically in the 21st century. The closing of Rockingham Park in 2016 marked the end of an era, but from its redevelopment, something extraordinary emerged: Tuscan Village https://tuscanvillagesalem.com/ . This sprawling, 170-acre mixed-use development has transformed Salem into a bustling hub of commerce, dining, and entertainment. Joe Faro, the visionary behind the project and founder of Tuscan Brands, reimagined the former racetrack as a world-class lifestyle destination. His commitment to excellence and community-building has positioned Salem as a regional leader in economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
Tuscan Village has been a game-changer for Salem, introducing a dynamic mix of high-end businesses, luxury residences, and exciting new experiences. Notable establishments include Tuscan Kitchen, Faro’s signature restaurant showcasing authentic Italian cuisine; LL Bean, offering outdoor gear and adventure experiences; Arhaus, a high-end home furnishings retailer; and the state-of-the-art Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center, providing top-tier medical services. Major brands like Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Pressed Café have also set up shop, making Salem a premier retail and culinary hotspot.
Adding to the appeal of Tuscan Village is The Artisan Hotel at Tuscan Village, a boutique luxury hotel that elevates Salem’s status as a premier destination. With its elegant design, world-class amenities, and a commitment to exceptional hospitality, The Artisan Hotel offers guests a refined experience in the heart of this thriving community. Its presence has further enhanced Salem’s ability to attract visitors, business travelers, and locals looking for a sophisticated staycation experience.
The economic and social success of Tuscan Village has had a ripple effect throughout the town, driving tourism, job creation, and a renewed sense of local pride. Events such as summer concerts, winter ice skating, and community festivals have solidified Salem as a place where people want to live, work, and play.
Looking ahead, Salem is poised for continued growth and success. As Tuscan Village continues to attract top-tier businesses and developers, the town is setting a new standard for smart, community-driven development. Salem’s transformation into a vibrant, modern destination proves that with vision, investment, and a commitment to excellence, a town can reinvent itself and build a future full of opportunity and excitement.
I saw the racetrack when it was closed and it was depressing; however, having now visited several of the establishments mentioned above, I can personally attest to the amazing transformation that has occurred!
Loudon’s Quest for Growth: From Racing Roots to Thriving Community
Join us as we explore the fascinating story of Loudon, NH’s remarkable growth over the past few decades. Nearly 40 years ago, I remember driving past a small racing track called Bryar Motorsports Park, barely visible through the woods along Route 106. Opened in 1964 by Keith Bryar, owner of Belknap Tire in Laconia, the track steadily grew in both size and reputation over the next 25 years. Then, in 1990, it transformed into New Hampshire International Speedway, later renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). Since then, NHMS has hosted NASCAR, motorcycle racing, and many other major events, drawing ever-growing crowds.
At its peak, Bryar Motorsports Park attracted about 18,000 fans—a significant number for a town once best known for its many sandpits. Today, more than 100,000 spectators travel to Loudon for major events at NHMS, reshaping the town’s identity. Along with this transformation, several new businesses—including trailer sales, heavy equipment dealers, the New England Racing Museum, and even a wedding and event venue—have established themselves in town.
Beyond motorsports, Loudon is also experiencing significant growth in agriculture and horticulture. Once recognized for its sandpits, the town is now making a name for itself in plant cultivation. Millican Nurseries operates alongside Pleasant View Gardens and D.S. Cole Growers, forming a hub for horticultural excellence. The newest addition, BrightFarms NEH greenhouse (also known as Lef Farms), has further strengthened Loudon’s reputation in sustainable farming. Spanning 75,000 square feet, Lef Farms (pronounced "leaf") grows fresh lettuce and spinach year-round, with plans for significant expansion. It’s quite a sight along Route 106.
In addition to large-scale nurseries and greenhouses, Loudon is home to several farms, including Windswept Maples, Ridgeland, Buttersmith, Windhill, Meadow Ledge, Dumont, Lilliana Flower, Miles Smith, Loudonshire, Merrill, Purely Wholesome, Grandpa’s, Sanborn Mills, and Pearl & Sons Farm. These farms contribute to the town’s thriving agricultural industry, supplying fresh produce, dairy, and livestock.
Loudon's population boom is another indicator of its ongoing growth. During the 1980’s, the town’s population grew by 70 percent, reaching 2,454 residents. Since then, it has more than doubled to approximately 5,600 today, with more than one-third of households having children under 18. With nearly 30,000 acres—much of it forested—Loudon still has plenty of room for further development.
At least one former sandpit has already been repurposed into a 55-plus community, The Villages of Loudon. Situated on 80 acres, this beautiful neighborhood now bears no trace of its past as a mining site. Instead, it offers modern, comfortable living for retirees in a serene environment.
Whether in agriculture, new businesses, housing, or motorsports, Loudon exemplifies a town on a quest for growth. With a rich history, a commitment to innovation, and ample space for expansion, its future looks brighter than ever.
The Quest for Growth: How SNHU is Revolutionizing Higher Education
In the heart of Southern New Hampshire, a not-so-quiet revolution in education has been unfolding. What was once a small regional institution has transformed into a national powerhouse, redefining what it means to grow—not just in numbers, but in impact. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has become a beacon of innovation in higher education, excelling in both business expansion and individual student success.
It has been said that long-time and recently retired University President Paul LeBlanc is the Steve Jobs of higher education—a visionary leader who views the future not as an extension of the past but as an opportunity to break boundaries. Under his leadership, SNHU has become one of the largest online universities in the country, serving over 180,000 students nationwide. At a time when many traditional universities are struggling with declining enrollments, SNHU has done the unthinkable: scaling rapidly while maintaining a student-first philosophy.
What sets SNHU apart is its commitment to accessible, flexible, and career-driven education. By pioneering competency-based learning and leveraging cutting-edge technology, the university has made it possible for students from all walks of life—working parents, military veterans, and career changers—to pursue degrees on their own terms. This student-centric approach has fueled a dramatic expansion, with SNHU continually pushing the boundaries of what higher education can be.
But growth at SNHU isn’t just about increasing enrollment; it’s about expanding minds. The university’s quest for growth is rooted in the belief that education should empower individuals, unlocking doors to new opportunities and brighter futures. Each graduate represents not just a number in a record-breaking enrollment figure, but a life transformed through learning.
At a time when small towns and communities across America are searching for ways to revitalize and reinvent themselves, SNHU serves as a model for how innovation, bold leadership, and a commitment to student success can drive meaningful growth. Whether through expanding access to education, fueling workforce development, or redefining what it means to learn in the digital age, SNHU’s rise is a testament to the power of visionary thinking and the relentless pursuit of progress.
In the end, the true measure of growth isn’t just in numbers—it’s in the lives changed, the communities strengthened, and the future shaped by those who dare to think differently. And in that quest for growth, SNHU stands as a shining example of what’s possible.
NH Small Business Development Center - Fueling Local Business Growth
For entrepreneurs and small business owners, growth is a journey marked by ambition, determination, and a commitment to continuous learning. Along the way, the right guidance and resources can make all the difference. In New Hampshire, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located in Paul College at the University of New Hampshire, plays a vital role in empowering business owners to grow—not just their ventures, but their communities as well.
The SBDC https://www.nhsbdc.org/ is more than just an entrepreneurial institution; it is a hub of opportunity. Offering personalized business advising, comprehensive training programs, and access to essential tools and resources, the center supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. From developing solid business plans to navigating financial complexities, the SBDC helps business owners overcome challenges and stay focused on their goals. This support is especially impactful in small towns, where thriving local businesses become the foundation of strong communities.
Growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about mindset. The most successful business leaders understand that personal development fuels professional success. The SBDC fosters this by providing programs that help entrepreneurs sharpen leadership skills, master new technologies, and build resilience. When business owners invest in themselves, they unlock new opportunities for their companies and inspire those around them. Strong leaders build stronger businesses, which in turn strengthen communities.
Many local entrepreneurs started with a vision and found support at the SBDC. These business owners didn’t just seek financial success—they aimed to create jobs, offer unique services, and breathe new life into their towns.
The NH SBDC continues to be a crucial partner in these journeys. As more entrepreneurs tap into its resources, they contribute to a broader story of resilience, innovation, and ambitious growth. The quest for growth is personal. It is about believing in the potential to do more, be better, and contribute meaningfully to the world around us. Thanks to the New Hampshire SBDC, entrepreneurs across the state are not just growing businesses—they are shaping the future of their communities. And in the process, they remind us all that growth, when shared, has the power to transform lives.
And I know what they offer is sound and valuable, as several small businesses that I’m familiar with have benefited greatly from the help they received from the SBDC
Positive Profile of the Week: Sal Lupoli - Leader in the Quest for Growth
This week, we are delighted to highlight a friend - an inspiring example of growth and perseverance—Sal Lupoli. A true visionary, Sal has repeatedly bet on himself throughout his life, turning bold ideas into reality.
Born in Massachusetts, Sal grew up in a humble household where attending college after high school seemed out of reach. That changed when he earned a full athletic scholarship to Northeastern University. This opportunity planted the seeds for a journey that would eventually lead to the establishment of over 130 pizza locations and the acquisition of millions of square feet in real estate.
Sal embodies the principles outlined in books like Think and Grow Rich—demonstrating that unwavering belief and dedication can transform a vision into reality. As he and his brother can attest, 100-hour workweeks were part of the price they paid to build their business. Contrary to popular belief, large amounts of capital or equity are not always necessary at the outset—what matters most is belief, determination, and relentless effort.
In 1990, Sal and his family opened their first pizza location, learning firsthand that perseverance is essential for growth. Challenges, mistakes, and setbacks are inevitable—but pushing through them is what truly counts.
A proverb that resonates with Sal’s journey is: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors, they succeed.” This philosophy has been evident throughout his path to success, with his father playing a crucial role. While at Northeastern, Sal’s father encouraged him to develop a business concept and seek guidance from professors. He also suggested pursuing wholesale collaborations—a strategy that proved instrumental in the growth of Sal’s Pizza.
However, building and expanding Sal’s Pizza was just the first phase of his journey. Sal’s true passion lay in real estate. Having already taken a leap of faith to launch his pizza business, he made another bold move—purchasing his first property in Lawrence, Massachusetts. That decision laid the foundation for his next chapter, and today, Sal owns over six million square feet of real estate. His success has earned him recognition as the second-largest commercial developer in Massachusetts.
Sal Lupoli’s story is a testament to the fact that in the quest for growth, vision, resilience, and strategic thinking are essential—an inspiring example for anyone looking to succeed on their own path. Thank you, Sal, for your passion and for being a role model for entrepreneurs to come, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead the way to growth and well-deserved success!!!
Positive Quote of the Week: The Quest for Growth
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
- Henry David Thoreau
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