What happens when a software founder returns to her roots in Maine and sees clean water as the foundation for local economic development? In this episode of the Legacy Podcast, host Paul Dio speaks with Jen Millard, co-founder and CEO of Maine Love, a growing water brand with a mission far bigger than hydration.

After years leading tech companies and consumer product startups, Jen returned to her home state to build something that mattered not just a brand, but a vehicle for job creation, sustainability, and local reinvestment. From repurposing idle breweries to creating a supply chain that keeps economics in-state, Maine Love represents a fresh model of what it means to build a legacy-driven business.

Jen shares how her liberal arts education and deep Maine roots shaped her entrepreneurial vision, how Gen Z is redefining consumption with health and intention, and why being radically kind is just as essential as product-market fit. If you've ever wondered how to turn a simple idea like water into a scalable, meaningful brand, this conversation will quench your curiosity.

00:01:10 – How the idea for Maine Love was born
00:03:00 – Jen's background in retail, tech, and personalization
00:05:30 – Launching with 5 SKUs and breaking into 500+ retail doors
00:06:50 – Becoming an entrepreneur after selling her first company
00:08:00 – Why Gen Z and moms are drawn to Maine Love
00:09:00 – The surprising challenges of selling water in a state full of it
00:11:00 – Water quality, municipal sourcing, and economic reinvestment
00:13:00 – Jen's vision for job creation and retaining Maine's next generation
00:14:30 – How to buy, subscribe, and find Maine Love near you

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Connect with Jen here and find more about what she does: https://mainelove.com

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