Doers and Dreamers – Zoe Dunn

Hanging out in Kingston, I often hear a consistent scenario from people that have moved to this area. Many newcomers(relatively speaking) to the Kingston area are professionals that aren’t required to set up shop near where their clients’ are located. Having a lot of options as to where they could reside, they chose Kingston for a variety of quality of life reasons. Check out this week’s Doer and Dreamer, Zoe Dunn, and see why she has put down roots in our ‘quirky’ little town.

Your name: Zoe Dunn

Business or organization: Hale Advisors, Inc.

Occupation: Digital Healthcare Marketing and Communications Consultant

What is your approach to your business or occupation that makes you unique?
My business partner, Beth Bengtson, and I are as interested in building our business as a sustainable model as we are at serving our clients and our industry. Although many of our clients are outside of Ulster County, we work hard to be present in our community and benefit our local economy. We are lending our support to several local charities focused on women and health, including One Billion Rising, YWCA/Girls Inc., the Washbourne House and Grace Smith House, Raising Hope, and O+. We also believe in serving our employees’ needs, our community’s needs, and our families’ needs equally and truly achieving as much balance as possible. We serve as our clients’ as trusted advisors because we are honest, strategic and always focused on helping them excel.

Where are you from originally?
Many, many places, but I consider myself a Vermonter.

What brought you to the Kingston area and keeps you in this area?
Kingston is such an approachable small city. After 14 years in New York City, I was looking for a city atmosphere (walking distance to shops and restaurants) with a close community feel. Kingston’s diversity energizes me, and its quirks have grown on me over the last 7 years.

What is your favorite hangout in this area and why?
Just one? Impossible. Kingston Farmers Market every weekend because I love to connect with old and new friends while buying delicious food. Hudson Coffee Traders for (decaf) coffee. Boices Dairy for Vanilla Soft Serve (and rainbow sprinkles). Boitson’s and Stockade Tavern for delicious food and drinks. Sissy’s for salads for lunch. Outdated for scones and atmosphere. Kingston Wine Shop…

When you’re not in Kingston, what’s your idea of a wonderful city to visit, and why?
NYC is my favorite city on earth, and I love going there to work or play for the day. It’s so nice to live in the Hudson Valley and be able to do all the outdoor things we love to do yet also be able to access the City so easily.

Tell us something that we never would have guessed about you.
Since I moved around a lot as a kid, most people would think that I’m ‘nomadic’ by nature. But I’m really happiest being settled down in one place. I brought my dad here to live with me, I met my husband here, we have created a family here, and I’ve built a business here. Kingston is the place for me – I love watching it evolve and being a part of that evolution.