By Taeeon Moon ’25

Nate Fochtman ’03 possesses a natural talent for spontaneous communication, which propelled him to co-found FreeMind Network, a marketing agency dedicated to amplifying the online presence of small businesses. He recalls discovering his aptitude for public speaking during an urgent moment at Mercersburg’s Commencement, when he realized that his opening remarks, hastily written on a paper napkin, had become an unreadable glob due to an unexpected rain shower. The mishap became a defining moment, pushing him toward an authentic communication style grounded in improvisation and genuine connection—traits he carries into his career today.

Fochtman’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2008 when, as a senior at Drexel University, he started a business booking bands in Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic region. This initial venture connected him to breweries, distilleries, and other clients in the alcohol industry, where he worked for nearly 20 years. Over time, his business focus evolved from event booking to helping small businesses develop digital media strategies. Today, FreeMind Network specializes in amplifying independent business voices through targeted digital media campaigns.

Central to Fochtman’s work are his podcasts, where he combines his expertise in digital media with a strong focus on authentic storytelling. His flagship show, the FreeMind Network Podcast, features interviews with business founders from around the globe, connecting with them via Zoom to share diverse entrepreneurial insights. Another of his productions, FreeMind Local, takes a more hands-on approach: Fochtman visits small businesses across “Main Street America,” diving into the personal stories that shape a journey.

FreeMind Fridays, one unique project, is co-hosted with Clifford Starks, a former UFC and Bellator fighter and MMA Hall of Famer. Together, they tackle topics surrounding stress, anxiety, and resilience, discussing how to transform pressure into positive energy. These podcasts not only showcase Fochtman’s interviewing abilities but also reflect his passion for human connection, a skill he developed early at Mercersburg.

Fochtman’s time at Mercersburg was foundational for his career. He engaged deeply with the school communications, working on video editing, scanning archival photos, and documenting events. These experiences sparked his interest in media and storytelling, which he carried forward into his college years and professional life. The transition from Mercersburg to Drexel brought challenges, particularly the need to balance work and academics, yet this period taught him resilience and adaptability—qualities that have been invaluable in his role as an entrepreneur.

Fochtman remains closely connected to Mercersburg, actively volunteering and encouraging fellow alumni to stay engaged with the community that shaped him. For Fochtman, staying involved is a way of giving back to the institution that played such a pivotal role in his growth, both personally and professionally. Through his work and volunteer efforts, Fochtman continues to support the power of storytelling and genuine human connection in a digital age. 

Taeeon Moon ’25 of Seoul, Korea, was an intern in the Communications Office during the fall term.