Podcast Summary
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.
Episode Highlights
Creating a New Category in Beverage
Jen saw a gap in the beverage aisle: there’s no real category for mocktails. So she created a bridge between flavored waters and cocktail-ready options, making Maine Love a versatile choice for both sober and social consumers.
Reclaiming Idle Breweries for Good
When Jen found local breweries sitting idle, she saw opportunity. Maine Love partners with them to co-pack clean water, turning underused equipment into engines for regional growth while maintaining the highest standards for food safety and consistency.
Leading with Purpose and Local Pride
As a 12th-generation Mainer and Colby College alum, Jen is passionate about keeping jobs and money in the state. Every can of water is part of an economic loop that benefits local brewers, water districts, and young people trying to build a future in Maine.
Educating Consumers on Water Quality
Many Americans take clean water for granted until they don’t have it. Jen discusses how Maine Love uses storytelling, digital education, and transparent sourcing to help consumers know and trust where their water comes from.
Radical Kindness and Startup Culture
With values like “less stress, more love,” Jen has built Maine Love not just as a brand, but as a culture. Her legacy? Building a company where teams thrive, families flourish, and community comes first.
Timestamps
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
Connect with Jen Millard
🌐 Website: https://mainelove.com
📷 Instagram: @mainelovelife
🛍️ TikTok Shop: @mainelovelife
Connect with Paul Dio
🌐 Website: https://innovativewealth.com
🎙️ Podcast Hub: https://businesslegacypodcast.com
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Episode Resources
Connect with Jen here and find more about what she does: https://mainelove.com
Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com
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For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.
