We're kicking off Season 2 with award-winning designer Jocelyn Chiappone, Owner & Head Designer of Digs Design Company. In this episode, Manny and Jocelyn talk about building a studio with intention, the power of great partnerships, and lessons learned along the way. Known for her timeless style and calm, confident presence, Jocelyn shares how staying grounded fuels her unique creativity and why the best designs start with genuine connection.

In the final episode of Season 1 of In the Workroom with Manny, John Speridakos, CEO of Cosmos Painting, shares the journey of growing his company from a small residential repaint business into a leader in both commercial and residential painting. He discusses the power of networking and sponsorships through PRO New England, the shift from seasonal work to long-term collaborations with builders and designers, and the importance of prep work for quality results. John also opens up about his Greek heritage, passion for percussion, and the culture driving his team.

Get ready for plenty of laughs on this episode of In the Workroom with Manny as Manny sits down with the warm and witty Meg McSherry, Owner and Principal Designer of Meg McSherry Interiors. Fresh off her cozy lake cottage project, Meg shares her journey from Parsons to creating livable, meaningful interiors across New England. Together, she and Manny swap stories of collaboration, laughter, and lessons learned along the way—pausing to reflect on how they each define success, celebrate small wins, and lean on trusted relationships to make design more rewarding.

In this episode, Manny is joined by Dane Austin, principal of the award-winning Boston-based firm Dane Austin Design, known for crafting vibrant, sophisticated, and highly personalized interiors. Together, they dive into the philosophy behind designing spaces that not only reflect beauty and style—but also support well-being, joy, and a deeply personal way of living. From lifestyle questionnaires and grand reveals to building a remote team and staying grounded through wellness, Dane shares the thoughtful process behind his inspired interiors for living well.

In this episode, Manny welcomed longtime friend and former neighbor Corinne Acampora, Founder and Principal Designer of Acampora Interiors, to the podcast. They talk about Corinne's winding path into design, the evolution of her business, and what it takes to build a brand rooted in trust, collaboration, and authenticity—with a little fun along the way.

Tim Kaelin, President of Makkas Workroom, walks down the hall to join Manny for a conversation about growth and what it took to evolve the business into what it is today. From working together in Maria and Phil's basement, to a 7,000 sq. ft. workroom in Framingham, and now to the current 16,000 sq. ft. space in Sudbury, Tim's drive, dedication, and sense of humor have helped navigate the team through COVID, build a positive culture, and shape the workroom's ongoing success and continued growth.

Before closing out 2024, Manny sat down with celebrated interior designer Rachel Reider, founder of the award-winning firm Reider + Co. With over 40 projects together — from boutique hotels on Martha's Vineyard to coastal homes and city retreats — Manny and Rachel reflect on their many years of collaboration and creativity. They talk candidly about what makes a lasting designer-workroom relationship, the behind-the-scenes hustle of hotel installs, and how trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence have shaped their work together.

In this episode, Manny sits down with builder extraordinaire Kevin Cradock, owner of Kevin
Cradock Builders, to explore his journey into the industry and the philosophy that sets his
award-winning team apart. As Kevin puts it, "Perfection is not possible, but excellence is," a
mindset that has shaped his approach to craftsmanship, team leadership, and building lasting
relationships. From custom homes to client trust, Kevin shares what it means to build with
intention and care.