Capital Region Business Podcast

Michael Scaringe, owner of Skyview Landscapes Inc, joins the podcast to discuss growing his business in the Capital Region and what we can all learn from his experience. Don't miss this episode... Episode Highlights: Mike shares his background. (2:30) Mike mentions what Skyview Landscapes can offer to their customers. (4:02) Mike explains what RPI has taught him. (7:45) Mike shares how the business has changed in the last 10 years. (9:07) Mike mentions why a conference is a good indication of what they do. (10:18) What's something that Mike's seeing out there that could be the next big thing for the future? (17:06) Mike shares how many employees they have and what the other employees are working on. (20:43) Mike explains what field managers do at Skyview Landscapes. (22:51) Key Quotes: “Me, as the contractor, I know where everything's gonna go.I feel very comfortable knowing that at the end, once we put the first shovel in the ground, where the end is going to go because of design.” - Michael Scaringe “If you're going to invest the money, invest in some sort of designer or architect. Because they know the trends, they know what works best, and how it will fit perfectly for your backyard.” - Michael Scaringe “I wanted to be a business owner, I'm not the best guy to maybe go work in a financial firm or county firm and do that sort of thing. So, I always knew that I wanted to be a business owner, but, it just has to be landscape because I kind of had a passion for contracts.” - Michael Scaringe Resources Mentioned: Michael Scaringe LinkedIn Skyview Landscapes Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Episode Highlights:  How did Benita transition into the health and wellness industry? (6:00) Benita shares how to have an organized mind. (10:33) Benita shares the importance of being kind and mindful to yourself. (13:09) Benita shares her thoughts on happiness and acceptance. (20:43) Benita explains her health and wellness project. (24:10) Benita shares why she's very passionate about arts and theater. (25:34) Key Quotes: “You've always got to be reinventing yourself. I mean, otherwise, you get stale, you get left behind. I feel like I have always reinvented myself here at the station. And it was just time for another reinvention. And, I really fell in love with doing this.” - Benita Zahn “Let's change the paradigm, and stop telling people what they have to do. And, stop pointing fingers when they don't do what we think they should do. What I'm working with people is to figure out what you want to do, what you need to do, why you need to do it, and how you can best achieve that for you.” - Benita Zahn “I think the first thing we have to do is start looking at ourselves and not looking at how we think somebody should be perceiving us.” - Benita Zahn Resources Mentioned: Benita Zahn LinkedIn WNYT Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Benita Zahn has been a news anchor and health and wellness reporter for WNYT News Channel 13 (and so much more). In part one of this conversation, we dive into the last 40 years of her career and what it's meant to the Capital Region. Don't miss this episode... Episode Highlights: Benita shares the growth of their community. (11:36) Benita explains how technology spread has contributed to the growth of their community. (14:54) Benita shares why their hometown pride still exists. (16:40) Benita shares some unforgettable stories that she reported on over the course of her career. (19:48) Benita mentions how she made an impact in the community. (22:52) Benita gives us the next phase of her career. (24:31) Benita shares how they set up an appointment. (29:11) Key Quotes: “We are finally shaking loose the bounds, the chains, really, of the fiefdoms of community...to get them to see that if we worked as a community, how much more powerful we would be, how much more engaging we could be to other businesses.” - Benita Zahn “I think there are still lots of pockets of this is my turf and I'm not in yours. But there’s also an understanding of how much more powerful we are working shoulder to shoulder rather than apart from each other.” - Benita Zahn “I don't think hometown pride is gone at all. I think on a greater scale for bigger projects, whether it be a big infrastructure project, we are now more willing to, and more ready to embrace working together than we had in the past.” - Benita Zahn Resources Mentioned: Benita Zahn LinkedIn WNYT Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Heidi Knoblauch, Venture and Growth Relationship Manager at Pioneer and Owner of Plumb Oyster Bar in Troy, joins the show to explain the finance ecosystem in the Capital Region. This is an episode you don't want to miss... Episode Highlights: Heidi shares her background. (3:14) Heidi shares how she got a Ph.D. and small business financing. (6:51) Heidi explains what happened to the seed fund. (9:37) Heidi shares why people should take advantage of working capital programs. (11:53) Heidi explains why that connection between investors and entrepreneurs is significant. (17:06) Where does Heidi find investors? (19:27) Heidi mentions one of the exciting things about the gaming accelerators. (23:45) What does Heidi think of established people versus new people starting businesses? (32:41) Heidi mentions one of the good things that RPI does. (37:28) Key Quotes: “People say…’How do you do a bunch of stuff? How do you get it all done? What are you doing?’ And to be honest, it’s around one single thing, which is promoting the region through small business development.” - Heidi Knoblauch “If I didn't have the ability to make that change during the pandemic, I think I would have felt really hopeless, if that makes sense. But, I got to connect with a ton of small businesses across the capital region and hear about what was going on in their lives... and, kind of scramble to get this government money.” - Heidi Knoblauch “We are in a place where all the pieces are there. It's just about putting them together. And it's about finding the right people who can do that right now. I think if you look across the Capital Region, there are a lot of smart people who are like...Okay, how do we make this happen?” - Heidi Knoblauch Resources Mentioned: Heidi Knoblauch LinkedIn Pioneer Plumb Oyster Bar Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Katie Newcombe, Chief Economic Development Officer at the Center for Economic Growth stops by the show to break down the new regional branding project, CapNY, and the potential impact of the growth of our small business community. You don't want to miss this episode... Episode Highlights: Katie shares her background. (2:44) Katie explains what the Center for Economic Growth is all about. (7:20) Katie mentions the goal of their company. (8:06) Katie shares how the CEG was formed. (16:15) Katie mentions how CapNY started. (20:47) Katie discusses the website, Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy. (29:06) Katie shares why each city has its own four P's. (37:56) Katie discusses the developers they have in different cities. (45:20) Key Quotes: “We try to really focus on those areas where we, as a region, can have a competitive advantage. Andm then we go out and try to sell those capabilities, and tell our story on a broader level.” - Katie Newcombe “Launching this regional brand; ambitious for many reasons, geographically, and because everybody has opinions. But, it's critical. We have to talk about who we are to each other. And, we’ve got to show who we are outside of our eight counties.” - Katie Newcombe “There's a lot that makes this area incredibly attractive. But, we continue to fight structural issues, including taxes and regulation. And so, it's even more imperative to try to set our region and what we're doing here apart.” - Katie Newcombe Resources Mentioned: Katie Newcombe LinkedIn Center for Economic Growth CapNY Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Entrepreneur, Kyle Coletti, took his father's side hustle and turned it into a reality show-winning fitness brand. This is his story... Episode Highlights: Kyle shares his background. (3:28) Kyle explains the Focusmaster G-1000. (5:24) What gave his father and the other partners confidence to let Kyle into their business? (10:05) Kyle mentions the equipment they have. (12:57) Kyle shares the program they have at Focusmaster Fitness. (14:51) Has Kyle thought of franchising Focusmaster Fitness? (17:12) Kyle shares the TV show where they were featured. (22:01) Kyle shares the opportunities he’s received from being part of the TV show. (29:17) How did Kyle work through problems to find opportunities? (35:32) Key Quotes: “It doesn't matter who's on the mic that day you walk in. You know what you're going to expect. And, we're kind of layering bricks on your foundation every time you come in. So, you learn a little more, and over time, you just get better and better before you know... you start looking like a real boxer.” - Kyle Coletti “You’re doing it for the money or you’re doing it for the experience, and the difference you can make in the world of the brand you want to build, or how the community you want to touch. And I think the passion, the fire has not gone out in my heart, on what I think Focusmaster can be. - Kyle Coletti “I think when you get entrepreneurs together, I think there's a slightly different breed. And there's a mutual respect that everybody's kind of in the same grind. At some point in their career, whether they go on to be a billionaire or not, they all had day one.” - Kyle Coletti Resources Mentioned: Kyle Coletti LinkedIn Focusmaster Fitness Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Adam Badger, founder of Badger Strength joins the podcast to break down health and fitness in terms and tactics that fit our busy everyday lives. Adam is a strong proponent of training that fits your life and meets your goals. This is a great episode of the show... Episode Highlights: Adam mentions his shift from in-person workouts to virtual. (8:21) Adam shares how to keep ourselves fit. (14:43) Adam mentions his philosophy from a fitness industry standpoint. (17:27) Adam shares how being healthy should be looked at. (23:19) Adam mentions what he’s working on with his nutrition clients. (27:31) Adam shares the value of finding something that you enjoy doing. (29:59) Adam shares the benefits of exercise. (37:15) Adam explains how he evaluates his clients. (44:29) Key Quotes: “Working out now is just such a necessary part of my life, that I didn't have the option... I had to do something during quarantine. But, once I set up like my garage studio now I actually like working out from home more.” - Adam Badger “I think people need to start taking more control and more responsibility for their health. Don't wait for the world to rearrange itself to make it easier for you. I don't think it's any easier to get in shape than it is in 2021.” - Adam Badger “If you find something that you enjoy doing, and you like it enough, you know, you'll get better at that thing, you know, and kind of please your behavior so that you can still do that.” - Adam Badger Resources Mentioned: Adam Badger LinkedIn Badger Strength Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Third-generation owner, Rhea O'Connor, shares her experience and expertise navigating the complicated waters of COVID inside the Loudonville Assisted Living Residence. We also get a look at the mental models Rhea uses to consistently make successful decisions for her business. Don't miss this one... Episode Highlights: Rhea shares her background. (4:05) Rhea mentions the three centers they have. (7:11) Rhea shares their company’s success through generations. (8:20) Rhea shares how they prepared during the pandemic. (11:13) How has it been since Rhea worked with her father? (15:44) What makes Loudonville Assisted Living Residence special? (19:03) Rhea mentions how their workflow has been doing. (20:17) Rhea mentions the Loudonville Assisted Living Residence Foundation. (21:56) Rhea shares the activity programs they have. (26:51) Key Quotes: “This place really is about family. It's something I think a lot of people say, but when you walk in the front door, you can really feel it here.” - Rhea O'Connor “I think that the legal training enabled me to be able to think deductively very quickly, and then obviously experience. The more experience you get, the more confident you are in what you're doing. So, it's a combination of all three.” - Rhea O'Connor “Our caregivers, our aides, our home health aides, our medication technicians, they are such an integral part of what we do here. And I want to support them too because the more they're supported, the better care they will be able to provide to our residents.” - Rhea O'Connor Resources Mentioned: Rhea O'Connor LinkedIn Loudonville Assisted Living Residence Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Mike Fiacco, owner of Bennington Furniture & Mattress and now Capital Region staple, Old Brick Furniture + Mattress Co, joins the podcast to share his story of getting into the furniture industry and how he's been able to grow his business. We also find out what comes next... Episode Highlights: Mike shares his background. (3:54) Mike shares what happened when he bought the business from his mother. (5:09) Where did Mike develop his business-driven characteristics? (7:19) Mike mentions how many Bennington stores he has. (9:24) Mike gives a piece of advice for the younger generation. (15:18) Mike shares his leadership techniques. (19:08) Mike shares the type of culture he’s looking for. (21:14) Mike mentions one of the factors he loves about the old brick brand. (22:28) Mike shares the significance of authenticity. (25:50) Mike mentions the previous owner of the Old Brick. (30:20) Key Quotes: “I have a vision and I knew if I could get ahold of the Old Brick, and I can take what he's doing and scale it, it could be something special.” - Mike Fiacco “I think as a leader, culture is everything in a business, and culture starts and stops at the top. So, do I get my hands in a lot? Yes.ut, I'm definitely not a micromanager. I think if you spoke to the bulk of my management, they would tell you that I let them do their thing.” - Mike Fiacco “If you have the mindset that you're going to fight towin every day, and you're going to do whatever it takes to win...We're big on making sure we're doing what's right for our customer. If you do what's right for your customer every time, you're going to win at the end of the day.” - Mike Fiacco Resources Mentioned: Mike Fiacco LinkedIn Bennington Furniture & Mattress Old Brick Furniture + Mattress Co. Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Taylor Rao, co-founder of Two Buttons Deep and the Buttonista media brands shares her story and experience on building a media empire. We also get tactical on how non-media companies can use digital and social media to grow their business. Episode Highlights: Taylor talks about her interest in journalism at a young age. (3:33) Taylor shares stories about being on-camera and connecting with her audience. (6:30) How does Taylor feel about being called an “insurance influencer”? (12:23) Taylor talks about making a decision early on, to grow the business. (20:20) Taylor mentions how important consistency is in podcasting. (27:00) What does Taylor feel her company is struggling with? (30:42) Taylor explains the importance of promotion as a business owner. (35:22) How does Taylor deal with varying viewpoints on social media? (42:12) Key Quotes: “Once we started being on camera, more people really felt like they got to know us. I'll be out to dinner, or I'll be walking through the farmers market, and someone's like, ‘I thought I heard your voice. Are you Taylor?’ They know my voice, they know my personality through just watching a video.” - Taylor Rao “We make sure that frequency is there. Not only predictability of when things are going to come out, but, that you're going to be seeing this message, episode, whatever… multiple times. Whenever you're ready to interact and engage with it, it's there for you. You don't have to go back and find it.” - Taylor Rao “If you're not putting out something that you don't believe in, or doesn't make you happy...It doesn't mean you can't be successful, can't make money and can't profit off of it. But, I think the way that it's delivered to people...We try to create the most authentic experience possible.” - Taylor Rao Resources Mentioned: Taylor Rao / Instagram Two Buttons Deep Buttonista Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Ryan Hanley sits down with Rob Shauger, the founder of Bluepoint Leadership Development and co-founder of NoBull Business. In our conversation, we dive deep into his leadership development strategy and how he got Gary Vaynerchuk to a business conference in Syracuse. Episode Highlights: Rob tells us about the men’s leadership retreat he created. (3:52) What aspects allow someone to benefit from the leadership experience? (7:52) How does Rob handle the variety of questions asked within his group? (12:10) Rob mentions the biggest overarching aspect of the group. (14:42) Rob shares his opinion on why most men don’t know their purpose. (20:11) Why is accountability so important? (28:42) Rob shares how NoBullCon started. (34:45) Rob mentions his collaboration with Gary, AJ, and David. (51:28) Key Quotes: “If you don't have a game plan for what you're going to do with that content before you leave, you're going to come back and not do it... nine times out of 10.” - Rob Shauger “There's just something to being with a group of strangers, that you can just kind of open up and feel good. So, the first thing that we open up with on Friday night is purpose. And, most men will tell you they have no idea what their purpose is.” - Rob Shauger “Who doesn't want to jump on the train, right? These are good guys, with good intentions, who want to do good things for good people. Who doesn't want to be a part of that? When you do things for the right reasons, more doors are going to swing open.” Resources Mentioned: Rob Shauger LinkedIn Bluepoint Leadership Development NoBullCON Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Matt Doheny, owner of ABC Sports and Fitness, joins the podcast to talk about how he's built one of the most successful fitness businesses in the Capital Region. Specifically, we focus on the culture that Matt has been able to build within the gym itself and the role that culture has played in the gym's success. Episode Highlights: Matt shares the origins of his business idea. (8:09) Is equipment the most important thing to consider in the fitness industry? (10:44) How do you build a fitness center with a diverse culture? (12:15) Matt walks us through his fitness apparatus design. (14:09) How has ABC Sports and Fitness changed over the past decade? (15:50) Matt shares what made him purchase the gym. (18:26) What advice would Matt give to leaders that struggle? (22:41) Matt shares how the pandemic has affected him. (24:27) Key Quotes: “It truly is, you know, learning a member's name, learning about their family, shaking their hands and walking into our club…Truly building it organically one member at a time.” - Matt Doheny “My biggest thing is I truly just want to cater to everyone, every single person in our local community. I want to make sure they feel at home inside my gym.” - Matt Doheny “Learning to humble myself, take a step back and just listen to everybody... listen to all their suggestions and insight. Whether they're good or bad, I generally appreciate them all and try to listen.” - Matt Doheny Resources Mentioned: Matt Doheny Facebook ABC Sports and Fitness Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Mike Field and Ryan Hanley jump on the mics to break down where the Capital Region Business Podcast is so far in 2021, where it's going, and why passion isn't the reason so many people are unhappy with their job. Episode Highlights: Ryan mentions the Copier Warrior. (3:03) Ryan and Mike take a moment to catch up with their audience. (6:19) Mike shares insight from talks with business professionals.(7:58) Ryan mentions why he thinks the vision for the show has changed. (9:16) Ryan shares why it’s important to be respectful of people's time. (21:52) Ryan discusses a LinkedIn post from Gary Vaynerchuk. (23:37) How does Mike separate himself from other real estate firms in the area? (38:34) What is the number one reason people select an agent? (39:12) Ket Quotes: “I found that every experience is about spreading the good word of what they're doing, and opening up avenues for them to explain to the general public, either what's made them successful or what they could do for the general public. I just think that part is cool, that you take some people who don't even know what we're doing, and then after that call...Man, this is a really good idea you guys are putting together here.” - Mike Field “You're never going to find your passion, if you're not interested in the topic. So, get interested in the thing that you do.” - Ryan Hanley “You're not a lazy ass at one thing and then super highly motivated and amazing at another thing. It just doesn't work that way. You either have the pride of performance or you don't.” - Ryan Hanley Resources Mentioned: Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field Michael Field Twitter Ryan Hanley Twitter

Bridgette Shoemaker, the founder of Ayzo Ridge Design, joins the podcast for a deep dive into corporate visual design, which is business-speak for making business spaces awesome. Learn Bridgette's techniques for transforming traditional office spaces into environments your team will WANT to work in. Episode Highlights: Bridgette shares her career background. (3:32) Bridgette discusses when and why she started her design firm. (5:19) How did Bridgette adjust her business plan in the midst of a pandemic? (13:54) What does environmental branding mean? (14:42) Bridgette gives a little background about her core group of clients. (22:11) How does Bridgette help her clients with visual branding? (26:37) Bridgette discusses details of her design intent package. (29:18) Bridgette gives tips on productivity in creative businesses. (34:44) Key Quotes: “My goal is to be the connection between brand design and well-executed design solutions... So, it's no longer just, ‘What do you want?’ Because, people don't know how to answer that question.” - Bridgette Shoemaker “I feel like when you can reach out, shake somebody's hand, look them in the eye, and they agree to something with you...That to me, is the most validation that you could ever get. Or, when somebody reaches out, shakes your hand and says thank you with that visual eye connection in there...It just feels different in your heart.” - Bridgette Shoemaker “With 20 years in the industry, I know how things are built...I know where to source the materials. Myself and my team are just constantly engaging in outside sources, like The Society of Experimental Design, in finding new and different ways to bring those things to life.” - Bridgette Shoemaker Resources Mentioned: Bridgette Shoemaker LinkedIn Ayzo Ridge Design Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Craig DeVoe, the co-founder of Precision Lacrosse in Latham, joins the podcast live for a discussion on starting a retail business during COVID, why the Capital Region needed a lacrosse super-store, and what comes next! This is an episode you don't want to miss… Episode Highlights: Craig mentions the goal they have in mind for his business. (3:30) Craig shares why he chose Loudon Road, as his business location. (5:57) Craig mentions the soft opening of their store that happened two weeks ago. (8:07) Craig shares the other huge part of their strategy and vision. (9:51) Did Craig and his team plan to launch last spring when the pandemic happened? (10:57) Craig gives a piece of advice to the listeners who want to open up a business. (12:32) Does Craig plan to expand his business? (15:13) Craig shares the story behind the name of his business. (16:29) Craig mentions the concept behind the space inside the shop. (18:04) Key Quotes: “The coaches have been great, and they're such a huge part of our business. Because they talk to all the players, they make recommendations...They can send people our way, and we try to take care of them as much as we can. So, it's a great partnership with a local lacrosse community.” - Craig DeVoe “There's a need to have a physical presence, to get your hands on stuff to try it out, and if you can get yourself connected to the community, and provide a good service, we know that there can be success.” - Craig DeVoe “If you have the right equipment on, it builds your confidence and helps you perform. As long as you're putting in the work and playing wall ball, and doing all the right things, and putting in all that, you got it.” - Craig DeVoe Resources Mentioned: Precision Lacrosse Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

Cody Shields, founder of The Big Body Butcher, not only started his butcher two weeks before COVID-19 hit and survived...he thrived. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about why he started his own butcher shop and how he was able to grow it into one of the most recognized brands in the Capital Region. Episode Highlights: Cody shares his background. (3:44) Cody mentions how he started in the butcher industry. (5:20) Cody shares how they came up with their tag line. (6:33) Cody shares how the meat are raised. (7:39) What's one of the common misconceptions people have when they come to Cody’s shop? (11:43) Cody explains what Wagyu is. (13:12) Cody mentions the variety of meat they sell. (15:28) When did Cody’s butcher shop start? (16:05) How did the pandemic affect Cody’s business? (25:35) Cody shares his plans for the next five years. (28:06) Does Cody see the saturation in the market as an opportunity? (33:20) Key Quotes: “Butcher shops are kind of becoming a mainstream thing again. So, it's kind of blowing up and it's kind of just taking itself over, and turning into something that at the end of the day, it's a butcher shop. We're cutting up pieces of animals and stuff like that. It's not that complicated and it's not as crazy as everybody thinks.” - Cody Shields “It makes me very grateful to be in a position to where I am and it was awesome. I couldn't be any happier than at first and still to this day. We're still extremely busy, but it was awesome to see it take off that first day and be supported by the community.” - Cody Shields “I think once people get to know who I am and the way I operate my business, and the people that work for me in the store, it kind of just sells itself.” - Cody Shields Resources Mentioned: The Big Body Butcher Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field

In this episode of the Capital Region Business podcast, Vic Christopher, the President of Clark House Hospitality, which is the parent company for Troy (and Capital Region) staples such as Donna’s Italian, Little Pecks and Lucas Confectionery, joins us for a deep dive into entrepreneurialism and small city business. Episode Highlights: Vic shares why he decided to start his business in Troy, New York. (2:54) Vic mentions why New York City is a scary place right now. (5:52) What is Vic’s team currently working on in the company? (9:33) How does Vic work through political roadblocks? (10:36) Vic mentions why he’s always been a risk-taker. (11:08) Vic mentions the biggest threat to business. (17:46) What does Vic envision for his company? (20:03) Vic shares why 2020 was the best year of his life. (25:27) Vic shares the other plans for his business. (28:49) Key Quotes: “Don't let everybody know what you're thinking all the time. And I think people like doing business with me because they know where I stand on things. I don't keep anything to myself, but it’s definitely a problem.” - Vic Christopher “If you feel that what you're doing doesn't have much of a purpose, get the hell out, go do something else. I see people that are just not happy doing what they're doing, and I encourage everybody in my life, and even the people that run this company to go out, and do their own thing.” - Vic Christopher “I always wanted to envision providing a path to entrepreneurship, just through the environment that we all create together here in downtown Troy, and we've done that.” - Vic Christopher  Resources Mentioned: Agency Intelligence Reach out to Ryan Hanley Reach out to Michael Field Vic Christopher LinkedIn Clark House Hospitality

Warren Zeiser, founder of We Rise Consulting, joins the podcast for a deep dive into leadership. Specifically, we examine what has changed because of COVID and how leaders should be positioning their business for the future.

Frank Scavio, cofounder and owner of Capital Region staple, Paesan’s Pizza, joins the podcast to discuss how Paesan’s started and was able to expand into the empire it is today.

Matt Scarchilli, owner of Sandler Training, joins the podcast to breakdown what is working and what isn't for sales professionals in our increasingly virtual sales environment.

Seth Rosenblum, Principal at The Rosenblum Companies and Managing Director of Hone Coworks joins the podcast to talk about flexible workspace and the future of "Office Space" in a post-COVID world.

Matt Callahan, General Manager of the Tri-City Valley Cats joins the podcast to discuss the recent announcement that they'll no longer be affiliated with the Houston Astros and what's next for our professional ball club.    

John Trimble, the founder of Hot Crispy Oil, one of the fastest-growing consumer brands in the Capital Region, joins the podcast to discuss his journey launching a startup brand during COVID and where he's taking Hot Crispy Oil next.    

Annmarie Lansesey, president of Greene Tree Technology and founder of AlbanyCanCode stops by the show to discuss the origin story of AlbanyCanCode and why she believes this type of alternative path to education and expertise is the future.

Bob Manasier has dedicated his work to helping startups make their dreams reality. Unfortunately, reality isn't easy. That's why mentors like Bob and the people he connects his startups with are so important to success. In this episode, we talk about Startups and what it takes to succeed.

Kate Hedgeman, the managing partner of Hedgeman Law, shares her experience and expertise on the changing environment of law and real estate. We also go into the impact of COVID-19 on the not-for-profit community and board-driven organizations.  

Mealeo is Capital Region technology and entrepreneurial success story for beating out national competition such as GrubHub and Uber Eats. In this episode of the podcast, we interview Blake Hanan, founder and CEO of Mealeo to learn how he's done it and what comes next. Founded in 2008, and proudly based in Latham New York, Mealeo started as a simple website that let people view the best restaurant menus in their area. Today, Mealeo’s website and mobile app offers customers the ability to order delivery or pickup from the best local restaurants, on-demand.

Chris Wessell, the founder of Staffegy LLC, joins the podcast to share his experience as an executive recruiter and talk about the future of hiring and staffing in the Capital Region. There will always be talent attraction, management and retention challenges, but the model that staffing agencies have used to address those challenges has been fundamentally the same for decades, and must adapt and evolve.

Jason Gough is known throughout the Capital Region for his work on the weather team at News Channel 13. But recently, he has broken out on his own and launched Jason's Weather, an independent weather service focused on forecasting the Capital Region's weather in a personalized and timely manner. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about why he started Jason's Weather and what is to come in the future.

Mike and Ryan breakdown their first two months producing podcast episodes for the Capital Region Business Podcast. We've learned some valuable lessons about telling small business stories.

Derek DeMeo, entrepreneur and founder of VA Relief joins the podcast to dispel the myths of virtual assistants and explains why VAs might just be the future of your business.

Todd Cetnar joins the podcast for the breakdown of his leadership philosophy, "The 3 Skills of the Elite."

Dominick Purnomo, owner of DP's in downtown Albany, is not taking the restaurant lockdown, lying down. He's putting his network to work and feeding Albany.

Maria Messier, the co-inventor of ExtendHer, joins the podcast to discuss what it means to be an inventor and mompreneur and how she plans to scale her business.

Michael Altieri is the general manager of OrangeTheory Fitness here in the Capital Region and joins the podcast to discuss how he successfully leads a team of 130 trainers and staff.

Rob Tario, founder of The Tipsy Moose restaurant, with three locations in the Capital Region explains how he built a ravenous and sustainable brand.

Kate Taylor, founder of the Galway Rock Vineyard & Winery joins the podcast to tell the origin story of Capital Region gem working hard to grow.

Mike Field, owner of Field Realty and Ryan Hanley, owner of Rogue Risk, launch the first episode of the first Capital Region local business podcast.