Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Stern.
Hi Sam, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. My career started in radio, where I was the managing partner for a group of stations in New England—and it was there that I met my wife, who’s been my partner in every sense of the word ever since. We learned early on that stories have the power to move people—to make them feel, think, and act. That idea stuck with us.
After we sold the stations, my wife started an agency built on the relationships and creativity we’d developed in that world, and I joined her soon after. Years later, when our kids left for college, we packed up and moved our lives—and our business—to Florida. The agency thrived, and as we grew, we both felt a pull to give something back.
We started doing pro bono work for local nonprofits, thinking it would be a small way to support the community. But once we saw the passion and impact of those organizations up close, something shifted. Their work moved us deeply. We realized that this was where we were meant to focus our energy—to use what we knew about communication and connection to help people who are changing the world tell their stories more powerfully. That realization became the heart of MagnifyGood.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The toughest chapter came during the financial crisis in 2008. At the time, we had a staff of 14, and within a matter of months, the economy came to a standstill. Like so many small businesses, we were hit hard. We had to make the heartbreaking decision to lay off nearly our entire team, keeping only one employee. Telling people, people we cared about,that they no longer had a job was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
For about eight months, we had no revenue coming in. There were moments when it would’ve been easier to walk away, but that just wasn’t in us. We believed in what we’d built, and we were determined to keep it alive. We tightened our belts, worked tirelessly, and kept showing up even when there was no clear path forward. Eventually, through a mix of hard work, resilience, and a bit of luck, we made it through. That experience changed us; it deepened our empathy, strengthened our partnership, and taught us that even in the hardest seasons, purpose has a way of pulling you through.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
MagnifyGood was born from a simple belief: when people truly connect around a shared purpose, good things grow. Before we ever worked with nonprofits, we spent years in the for-profit world helping brands find their voice and build relationships that lasted. When we began partnering with local nonprofits, we saw the same need for clarity and connection—but we also saw the challenge. These organizations were doing incredible, life-changing work, often with tiny teams and limited resources. We realized we could help them tell their stories with the same power and polish as any national brand.
We’ve always been early adopters, curious about what’s next and how it can be used for good. That curiosity eventually led us to explore AI, not as a replacement for people, but as a way to make communications easier, faster, and more consistent for organizations that are already doing so much.
That’s where ConnectionWorks comes in. It’s our AI-powered platform built specifically for nonprofits. It helps teams create donor appeals, social posts, newsletters, and reports that sound exactly like them—true to their mission, tone, and values. It also helps them plan content, generate new ideas, and keep their messaging aligned across departments, even when staff changes or resources are thin.
In short, ConnectionWorks gives nonprofits the kind of communications support that big brands take for granted. It saves time, protects authenticity, and makes sure their message stays clear, so they can focus on what really matters: their mission.
What makes me proudest is that MagnifyGood has never lost its heart. We’ve built tools and strategies that make life easier for people doing the hardest, most important work. And we get to see, every day, how a little more clarity and consistency can help their good work reach even further.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve learned that mentorship isn’t always formal—it often comes from the people working beside you every day. The best advice I can give is to stay curious, listen more than you talk, and look for relationships built on shared values, not titles. Networking works the same way; it’s about trust, not transactions. And honestly, my greatest mentor has been my wife and business partner. We’ve learned and grown together through every season.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.magnifygood.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagnifyGood/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/magnifygood/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@magnifygood9608
