Shows
In The Workroom With MannyTITLE: Legacy and Leadership with Ben Arcari CookIn this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, Manny catches up with Ben Arcari Cook of Landry & Arcari, a third-generation leader at one of New England's most trusted family-run rug and carpet companies. They dig into the nuances of design, the importance of true customer service, and what it means to grow up in a family business — along with the lessons that come with carrying that legacy forward.
2026-02-2732 min
In The Workroom With MannyCulture, Collaboration, and Running a Successful Business with Chandon Georgian and Charlie GadboisIn this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, Manny sits down with Chandon Georgian, Principal & Founder of 111works, and Charlie Gadbois, Owner & President of Wellen Construction, for an honest conversation about culture, collaboration, and what it really takes to run a successful design and construction company. Together, they dig into what working well together actually looks like, how strong team culture shapes better projects, and the behind-the-scenes realities of building and leading a business in today's world.
2026-02-0231 min
In The Workroom With MannyTalking New England Design with Kathy & JennaManny is joined in the workroom by New England Home Magazine's dynamic duo, Publisher Kathy Bush-Dutton and Editor-in-Chief Jenna Talbott, for a conversation about what it's like to lead a beloved regional publication and how the magazine continues to evolve alongside the design community it serves. This episode dives into connection, collaboration, and the stories that inspire us. Kathy and Jenna share the behind-the-scenes of what makes New England Home tick, the power of staying authentic in a changing media landscape, and the importance of relationships that have shaped their careers and the region's design scene.
2025-12-3041 min
In The Workroom With MannyQuiet Confidence & Classic Design with Jocelyn ChiapponeWe'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.
2025-11-2628 min
In The Workroom With MannyMore Than Paint with John SperidakosIn 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.
2025-10-0223 min
In The Workroom With MannyLaughter, Collaboration & Defining Success with Meg McSherryGet 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.
2025-09-0730 min
In The Workroom With MannyInspired Interiors for Living Well with Dane AustinIn 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.
2025-07-3135 min
In The Workroom With MannyReflecting on 11 Years of Timeless Design with Corinne AcamporaIn 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.
2025-07-0728 min
In The Workroom With MannyGrowth and Success: A Conversation with President Tim KaelinTim 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.
2025-05-3028 min
In The Workroom With MannyThe Making of a Great Designer–Workroom Relationship with Rachel ReiderBefore 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.
2025-05-0232 min
In The Workroom With MannyThe Art of the Build with Kevin CradockIn 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.
2025-04-0427 min
In The Workroom With MannyTalking Customer Service with Laura Keeler PierceToday, Manny talks to New England designer, retail shop owner, and 2023 New England Home 5 Under 40 winner Laura Keeler Pierce. They discuss how she balances family life and work between her Boston studio and her retail shop, Rusticator, on Mount Desert Island, Maine. They dive into her creative process, the inspiration behind her signature approach to layering patterns, some memorable project collaborations in Maine, and the essential role customer service plays in their partnership.
2025-02-2834 min
In The Workroom With MannyFrom Law to Design Excellence, Leslie Fine Shares Her Career JourneyIn this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, acclaimed interior designer Leslie Fine shares her inspiring journey from a career in law to building her award-winning design firm. Leslie reflects on how her legal background shaped her professional approach, the collaborative projects with Manny that defined their partnership, and her enduring passion for design. Tune in for insights into her career, personal milestones, and the relationships that have fueled her success in the design world.
2025-02-0324 min
In The Workroom With MannyHot & Anxious with Erin GatesManny sits down with Erin Gates— acclaimed interior designer, blogger, and New York Times bestselling author, to talk about how she does it all. Erin talks about using her reach, voice, and recognition as a platform for heated issues in an effort to positively change the conversation. Manny and Erin also talk about the need for more accountability, trust, and integrity in today's society and in business, balancing hard-core workouts with a baked goods addiction, and the release of her third book coming out in September 2025.
2025-01-0633 min
In The Workroom With MannyThe American Dream with Maria and Phil MakkasIn this episode, Manny sits down with his parents, Maria and Phil Makkas, the founders of Makkas Workroom, for an inspiring and heartfelt dialogue about their immigration journey, the family they left behind, and their early days in America fueled by determination and ambition. Grab your tissues; this conversation will surely tug at your heartstrings as Manny reflects on the experience of working with his parents, proclaiming, "I'm the luckiest guy in the world."
2024-12-0139 min
In The Workroom With MannyA Sitdown with MW OG, Katie RosenfeldKicking off the podcast with longtime partner and Makkas Workroom "OG," Katie Rosenfeld, Principal & Creative Director of Katie Rosenfeld and Company. Manny and Katie reminisce about the early days of being "basement rats," how her business has grown, and the exciting launch of her new build-to-order brand, Vanity & Co. Join us for an honest and open dialogue about the power of their trusted partnership, timeless design trends, retirement, go-to food favorites, and when to take your shoes off during an install.
2024-11-0135 min
In The Workroom With MannyTrailerThe In the Workroom with Manny podcast is your unique look behind the scenes of the interior design world. Each month, Manny, owner of Makkas Workroom, gets up close and personal as he chats with industry leaders, partners, and peers in candid, insightful conversations about the joys and challenges of collaboration. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a seasoned professional, you'll get an inside look at how the workroom powers today's award-winning designs while navigating the ever-evolving design landscape.
2024-10-2101 min
Grit By Design05. Manny Makkas on Work Ethic, Management Style & ParenthoodIn this poignant conversation with Manny Makkas, owner of Makkas Drapery Workroom, Corinne Acampora discusses everything from management style and motivation to problem-solving and parenthood. Manny shares heartfelt insights on the tenacity and hard work of his mother, father and uncle, and the challenges his parents faced starting a business after immigrating to the United States from Greece. He sheds light on how they nimbly launched their custom window treatment business right from their basement over 40 years ago. Manny also discusses the evolution of the company and what the pandemic has taught him about planning for the u...
2021-08-1942 min