Shoge helps launch Easton-based consulting firm

Published in Kent County News | July 2022

Sam Shoge of Chestertown and Ross Benincasa have launched Rivers & Roads Consulting.

According to a news release, Easton-based Rivers & Roads is a regional economic and community development consulting firm focused on projects that help strengthen and revitalize communities.

Shoge and Benincasa have a combined 22 years in small business development, marketing, public administration and nonprofit management experience.

“Consulting on projects for the public good has been what Sam and I have been fortunate enough to do for many years now through our government and non-profit roles,” Benincasa said in the news release. “It made sense for us to partner and continue that work in the private sector, focusing on bringing more opportunity to Delmarva’s residents and businesses.”

Rivers & Roads is built to help strong, well-meaning organizations execute projects that benefit the greater community, the news release states. From new housing and retail projects in the area’s Main Street neighborhoods to community-oriented economic development plans for local government, Rivers & Roads’ projects remain focused on enhancing communities up and down the peninsula.

“I’ve never been more prepared to serve the businesses, nonprofits, and municipal governments of Delmarva than in this moment,” Shoge said in the news release. “Serving as an elected official, solving problems for major employers, mentoring dozens of small businesses, and serving as an engaged board member with some of the Mid-Shore’s largest institutions, have all led to this moment. Rivers & Roads stands ready to partner with business and nonprofit leaders to create impactful programs, launch new strategic initiatives, and leverage unique assets to revitalize our communities and economy,” he said.

In addition to general consulting services for businesses and nonprofits, Rivers & Roads specializes in acquisition services, placemaking strategies, strategic planning and public relations concerns, working directly with an organization’s board and executive team to help accomplish projects and assist with overall growth.

Rivers & Roads’ service offerings align with its founders’ professional and community service backgrounds.

Shoge most recently served as the executive director of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce, and previously was the economic development coordinator for Talbot County.

Benincasa is a licensed commercial real estate advisor with SVN-Miller Commercial Real Estate. He previously served as the executive director of Discover Easton, the marketing and community development organization for the Town of Easton.

Shoge and Benincasa also served as elected officials in their communities of Chestertown and Hillsboro, respectively.