Stay Work Play Welcomes Mainstay Technologies to the Board of Advisors 🎉
Spotlighting the visionary organizations on the Board of Advisors at the heart of our mission. Through innovation, thoughtful strategy, and winning workplace cultures, these employers are shaping the future of the 603.
Our Board of Advisors represents a dynamic group of organizations committed to driving workforce development, championing young Granite Staters, and who are invested in Stay Work Plays vision for a NH where young people want to—and can—stay, work and play.
We’re thrilled to have a conversation with Jason Golden, the CEO at Mainstay Technologies—an IT company with local roots that recently joined our Board of Advisors. Get to know them, and Jason, below!
SWP: Why is supporting young talent and organizations like Stay Work Play important to your company’s mission?
JG: At Mainstay, our mission is “to give more than we get” and our vision is to “positively impact every life we touch.” Supporting young talent is a vital expression of that mission & vision. We believe in building a New Hampshire where people can thrive—and where business is a powerful force for good. Organizations like Stay Work Play are helping create that future by spotlighting opportunities, cultivating leadership, and helping the next generation feel rooted and empowered here. We see that work as essential not only to our company but to the soul of our amazing state.
A recent addition that really brings us together: Mainstay recently became an ESOP, meaning we’re employee owned. That shared ownership deepens our sense of investment in each other and in the future of Mainstay and New Hampshire. We’re all in this together—and that shows up in how we work, invest and play.
SWP: In what ways does your company empower the next generation of leaders in New Hampshire?
JG: Leadership at Mainstay means service. We don’t just train people to manage—we equip them to lead with integrity, empathy, ownership and clarity. Our mentorship culture, our investment in professional development (including certification bonuses, leadership training programs and tuition reimbursement), and our deliberate succession planning all reflect that commitment. We offer young professionals a chance to grow into the fullest version of themselves—while contributing to work that genuinely matters.
SWP: Tell us a fun fact or hidden gem about your company that people might not expect!
JG: For a company of about 100 technical and business minds, we’re wildly diverse when it comes to how we play. You’ll find hikers, bikers, musicians, athletes, RPG'ers, ping pong and pickleball enthusiasts, farmers, and yes—video gamers too. It’s a reminder that while we take our technical work seriously, we’re also deeply human. Our differences bring energy, creativity, and fun to the culture we share. We’re here to enjoy the freaking ride!
The Mainstay Technologies team!
SWP: Why do you love to stay, work, and play in New Hampshire?
JG: I grew up in Lowell MA and moved to NH in my High School years. As soon as I graduated, I traveled the country and the world as a member of the United States Air Force. It gave me a ton of perspective and helped me to realize how amazing our region is. New Hampshire offers unmatched access to nature—mountains, lakes, beaches, and forests. You could experience them all in one day if you wanted to and I love that. I also love the character of this place. It’s scrappy and full of heart. My family and I enjoy traveling to small towns, exploring new restaurants, and gathering around great food.
And personally, I’m happiest when I’m at home at the foot of Temple Mountain, on our little farm. We have chickens, goats, horses, bees, fruit trees and a solar field in addition to our dogs and cats that walk the local trails with us. See below!!
SWP: Any key itineraries that you would recommend on a Saturday in NH?
JG: An amazing Saturday for my wife Emily and I would look something like this: Start your morning with breakfast at the Optimist Café’ in Jaffrey, then explore the local hiking trails in the Monadnock region. My wife and I enjoy these walks and there’s something grounding about being in nature together. Afterward, head to Hancock for lunch at Fiddleheads Café. Spend the afternoon driving backroads, visiting local shops in Peterborough and local farmstands. We also recommend the Pearl restaurant in Peterborough for dinner and if the sun’s still out, finish the day with a scoop of ice cream at Kimball Farm. For us, it’s all about small towns, fresh air, great conversation over delicious food and unhurried time together.
SWP: What’s your hope for the future of our state?
JG: My hope is that New Hampshire continues to be a place where people choose to plant deep roots, because they can grow and thrive here. I want it to be a state known for its innovation, its care for people our planet, and for creating meaningful opportunities for all generations. A place where young leaders are supported, community is valued, and we all contribute to something bigger than ourselves. I’m proud to have raised three children to adulthood that are all still rooted here and to be part of Mainstay where we are currently 21 years into a 100-year mission.
Huge shoutout to Jason + Mainstay for giving us a sneak peek into this verified cool company in the 603! Welcome to the Stay Work Play Board of Advisors!
Interested in learning more, or do you think you’d be a good fit to join Mainstay’s team? Hit the links below!
