Welcome to the Pain Points Podcast! Our goal is to engage in meaningful conversations about topics such as Talent Acquisition, Recruiting, Marketing, Human Resources, and more, drawing upon our expertise to offer practical advice and strategies. By delving deep into these issues, we aim to help businesses navigate through their challenges more effectively and ultimately improve their overall success.
Welcome to another compelling episode of the Pain Points Podcast by StaffBuffalo, where we spotlight the real challenges — and opportunities — faced by professionals making bold strides in evolving industries. In this episode, Maggie sits down with Melissa Moore, Assistant Professor in both the Cannabis and Horticulture Departments at SUNY Niagara, to explore the Pain Points of transitioning from the legacy cannabis market to the legal landscape — and what it means for cultivators, educators, and aspiring professionals in the space.
Welcome to the Pain Points Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Janna Willoughby-Lohr, the creative mastermind behind Papercraft Miracles, an eco-friendly, handmade paper art company that brings magic and joy to people's lives through unique creations. Janna takes us on a journey from her unexpected start in the art world, beginning with navigating her college major, to discovering her passion for paper art, and finally building a thriving art business in Buffalo, NY.
Welcome to the Pain Points Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Winkler, a certified Level 2 Sommelier and owner of Winkler & Samuels, a boutique wine and spirits shop offering curated wine classes, a premium wine storage facility, and a passion-driven approach to wine education. Melissa takes us on a journey from her unexpected start in the wine industry—beginning as a nanny, to discovering her passion at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and finally building a thriving wine business in Buffalo, NY.
Welcome to another episode of the Pain Points Podcast! In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Larry Mietus (aka Leadership Larry)—author, business consultant, and founder of Speaking of Strategy. Larry has spent decades helping businesses obliterate excuses, build strong cultures, and lead with strategy.
Tune in to another episode of The Pain Points Podcast, where we explore how Impressia Bank is changing the game for women entrepreneurs and the financial struggles that they face! In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Schellinger, VP/Regional Relationship Manager at Impressia Bank to discuss the financial roadblocks women-owned businesses encounter, the funding gap in traditional banking, and how relationship-based banking can be a game changer. Women are underfunded, underserved, and underestimated—but they're also powerful economic drivers when given equal opportunities.
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Pain Point Podcast, where we tackle the biggest challenges professionals face in their careers. In this episode, we sit down with Lamark Shaw, Director of Career Services at Daemen University, to discuss mentorship, career transitions, work-life balance, and the evolving job market. Lamark shares his unexpected career path, from graphic design to retail management, to ultimately finding his passion in mentoring students and shaping their professional futures. His experiences highlight the importance of networking, adaptability, and finding work that truly excites you.
Welcome to another powerful episode of the Pain Point Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to host Amanda C. Watts, founder of the Business Advisory Academy and author of four inspiring books. Amanda takes us on a deeply personal journey, from overcoming early failures to building a thriving global business that has guided 3,000 practices in 23 countries. If you're ready to tackle your own Pain Points and turn challenges into opportunities, this episode is for you!
Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Pain Points Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Saverio “Sam” Marrazzo, Chief Innovation Officer at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC), as he shares his incredible story from his early days in the Navy, how he found his love for technology, and to his transformative role in the non-profit sector. Hosted by Maggie Shea, this episode uncovers the Pain Points and challenges faced by Sam throughout his career and how he overcame them to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life!Join us as we explore the highs and lows of Sam's career, the lessons learned, and the strategies he used to navigate through various Pain Points. You'll learn how the lessons from his past roles are informing his current work and discover the strategies he uses to turn challenges into opportunities.
Welcome to another episode of the Pain Points Podcast, where we dive deep into the critical challenges that businesses face in scaling and sustaining growth. Today, we're excited to feature Mike Belin, Executive Growth Strategist at Nacre Consulting, a firm renowned for helping businesses grow their top-line revenue, optimize sales processes, and build sustainable growth strategies.With over 5 years at Nacre Consulting, Mike has worked with diverse companies—from startups to enterprises exceeding $100M in revenue—spanning industries like SaaS, Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Telecommunications. He brings decades of hands-on experience in sales management, customer experience design, and leadership coaching.Join us as Mike unpacks real-world solutions to business challenges, including how to build sales playbooks, design effective growth strategies, and create a company culture that fosters continuous development. His actionable insights will provide you with the tools you need to overcome your company's growth obstacles and unlock its full potential.
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Pain Points Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with a dynamic leader in B2B sales and corporate innovation—Sondra Vidal—to explore the challenges and successes that have shaped her remarkable career. From driving growth at Favordrop to leading multiple ventures, including RelPro and Luc and Lyla LLC, Sondra brings a wealth of experience in turning Pain Points into powerful sales opportunities. Sondra shares her journey through the highs and lows of B2B sales, digital gifting, and entrepreneurship. We dive deep into the Pain Points that have defined her path, from balancing multiple roles to driving innovation in a competitive market. Discover how she overcame these challenges to deliver exceptional results across industries. Episode Highlights: Career Evolution: How Sondra transitioned from corporate sales at American Express to leading innovative ventures in B2B marketing and retail. Sales and Customer Engagement: The Pain Points encountered while scaling sales pipelines and enhancing customer satisfaction, and the creative solutions that led to measurable success. Innovation at Favordrop: The unique challenges of revolutionizing customer engagement through personalized digital gifting, and how these Pain Points were tackled to deliver an unmatched customer experience. Balancing Multiple Ventures: Insights into managing the demands of running multiple businesses and non-profits, and the strategies that helped turn potential setbacks into achievements. Leadership Excellence: What it takes to earn accolades like the Leadership Award 2020 and Circle of Excellence at American Express, and the Pain Points that come with leading high-performing teams. Whether you're a seasoned professional in B2B sales, a budding entrepreneur, or someone looking to understand how to navigate the complexities of modern marketing, this episode is for you. Sondra offers actionable insights on how to turn Pain Points into avenues for growth and innovation. Learn from her experience in building successful teams, driving sales, and fostering collaboration across various industries.
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Pain Points Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Bill Boulden, a seasoned technology leader and serial startip CTO for multiple innovative companies. Bill brings over 15 years of experience navigating the complex landscape of B2B technology, product design, and artificial intelligence. As a visionary in technology management, Bill has successfully led teams through the intricate process of product development and technology deployment across various industries. His ability to identify and overcome Pain Points has been instrumental in his journey from a Junior Developer to a Chief Technology Officer, and now as a Fractional CTO for forward-thinking companies like Favordrop and Edgeli, Inc. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or someone navigating the challenges of growth and innovation, this episode offers invaluable insights into turning Pain Points into powerful solutions.
Welcome to this episode of the Pain Points Podcast! In today's discussion, we delve deep into the complex world of stress and its impact on our professional and personal lives. Our expert guest, Massoma Alam Chohan, a renowned author, TEDx speaker, and strong advocate for those suffering from anxiety, shares valuable insights on recognizing and addressing Pain Points in the workplace.Join our discussion:Identifying Stressors: Understand the common sources of workplace stress and how they manifest in employees' lives.Understanding and Managing Burnout: Recognize the causes of burnout and discover strategies for prevention and recovery.Work Relationships: Learn how strained relationships contribute to stress and how effective communication can help navigate challenges.The Sunday Scaries: Explore what drives this feeling of dread before the workweek and practical steps to mitigate anxiety.Building Resilience: Get tips on cultivating resilience and achieving a healthier work-life balance in demanding environments.Join us as we provide practical advice and strategies for overcoming these Pain Points and fostering a supportive work culture. Don't miss this insightful conversation that could transform your approach to work-related stress!
Welcome to another episode of The Pain Points Podcast! In this engaging conversation, we're diving deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Len Morrissey, Managing Partner at Morrissey Metcalfe and Associates, and published author of "Cursed Gift". With over 16 years of banking experience across two countries and a dynamic transition into entrepreneurship, Len Morrissey shares the key Pain Points he faced while scaling businesses, building high-performing teams, and navigating complex financial landscapes, and ultimately pursuing his dream of writing a book! As we explore Len Morrissey's career path—from banking at institutions like Citizens Bank, Bank of America, and TD Bank, to leading RAPID_ to a successful sale—we uncover the hidden challenges behind major growth phases. We also dig into how Morrissey Metcalfe and Associates helps small-to-medium businesses tackle some of their biggest Pain Points in securing funds and achieving sustainable growth.
In this episode, we're diving deep into the journey of overcoming obstacles, transforming challenges into opportunities, and turning Pain Points into power moves. Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Nicholle Overkamp, a powerhouse entrepreneur, financial guru, and AI-driven business strategist, to uncover the lessons learned from the toughest moments in her career.Nicholle Overkamp is the visionary and founder of Wilcox Financial Group LLC and The MoxAi Co., two dynamic companies that are reshaping the way we think about financial empowerment and AI-enhanced business coaching. With a strong commitment to transparency, integrity, and expert execution, Nicholle has dedicated her career to helping individuals and businesses overcome their own Pain Points to achieve success.In this episode, you'll discover:- How Nicholle forged her path in the financial industry: Learn about the pivotal moments and key decisions that led Nicholle to establish Wilcox Financial, a woman-owned firm dedicated to empowering clients through fee-based financial planning and asset management.- The Pain Points faced in scaling successful businesses: Nicholle opens up about the challenges she encountered in scaling her companies while staying true to her core values. Hear how she navigated the complexities of growing her businesses and maintained her vision of empowering others.- The intersection of AI and financial services: Explore how Nicholle's work with The MoxAi Co. is revolutionizing business coaching by integrating AI tools and personalized strategies. She'll discuss the Pain Points of introducing cutting-edge technology to a traditional industry and how she's driving change.- Strategies for personal and professional growth: Nicholle reveals how she balances (or doesn't balance) the demands of running multiple companies with her own well-being, and the Pain Points she encountered in achieving this balance. Plus, get tips on how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights, real-world examples, and the wisdom of a leader who has turned every Pain Point into a stepping stone for success. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply looking to level up your life, this episode is packed with value for you.
Welcome to another episode of the Pain Points Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories behind the successes and challenges of industry leaders. In this episode, we're thrilled to host Nhi Kha, the CEO and Co-founder of Sativa Remedy Hemp Dispensary in Buffalo. Sativa Remedy is a pioneering force in the cannabis space, dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable hemp products while advocating for education and accessibility. In this episode, Nhi Kha shares:The Origin Story: Discover how Nhi transitioned from a background in chemistry and health services to leading a hemp dispensary. Learn about the personal and professional journey that led her to create Sativa Remedy, including the profound impact of her father's illness on her path.Overcoming Pain Points: Nhi opens up about the specific challenges and Pain Points she faced in the cannabis industry. From navigating regulatory hurdles to managing the growth of a minority women-owned business, get an inside look at the trials and triumphs of running a cannabis dispensary.Growth and Innovation: Explore how Sativa Remedy has evolved since its inception, the strategies employed to overcome industry Pain Points, and Nhi's vision for the future of the cannabis market, including the push towards sustainable and equitable growth.Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: If you're interested in the cannabis industry or entrepreneurship, don't miss Nhi's invaluable advice on finding your niche, handling industry shifts, and staying resilient in the face of challenges.Tune in to gain insights, find inspiration, and learn how industry leaders navigate their Pain Points to achieve success. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging content!
Welcome to another episode of the Pain Points Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories behind the successes and challenges of industry leaders. In this episode, we're thrilled to host Nhi Kha, the CEO and Co-founder of Sativa Remedy Hemp Dispensary in Buffalo. Sativa Remedy is a pioneering force in the cannabis space, dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable hemp products while advocating for education and accessibility. In this episode, Nhi Kha shares:The Origin Story: Discover how Nhi transitioned from a background in chemistry and health services to leading a hemp dispensary. Learn about the personal and professional journey that led her to create Sativa Remedy, including the profound impact of her father's illness on her path.Overcoming Pain Points: Nhi opens up about the specific challenges and Pain Points she faced in the cannabis industry. From navigating regulatory hurdles to managing the growth of a minority women-owned business, get an inside look at the trials and triumphs of running a cannabis dispensary.Growth and Innovation: Explore how Sativa Remedy has evolved since its inception, the strategies employed to overcome industry Pain Points, and Nhi's vision for the future of the cannabis market, including the push towards sustainable and equitable growth.Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: If you're interested in the cannabis industry or entrepreneurship, don't miss Nhi's invaluable advice on finding your niche, handling industry shifts, and staying resilient in the face of challenges.Tune in to gain insights, find inspiration, and learn how industry leaders navigate their Pain Points to achieve success. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging content!
Welcome to another episode of the Pain Points Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories behind the successes and challenges of industry leaders. In this episode, we're thrilled to host Nhi Kha, the CEO and Co-founder of Sativa Remedy Hemp Dispensary in Buffalo. Sativa Remedy is a pioneering force in the cannabis space, dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable hemp products while advocating for education and accessibility. In this episode, Nhi Kha shares:The Origin Story: Discover how Nhi transitioned from a background in chemistry and health services to leading a hemp dispensary. Learn about the personal and professional journey that led her to create Sativa Remedy, including the profound impact of her father's illness on her path.Overcoming Pain Points: Nhi opens up about the specific challenges and Pain Points she faced in the cannabis industry. From navigating regulatory hurdles to managing the growth of a minority women-owned business, get an inside look at the trials and triumphs of running a cannabis dispensary.Growth and Innovation: Explore how Sativa Remedy has evolved since its inception, the strategies employed to overcome industry Pain Points, and Nhi's vision for the future of the cannabis market, including the push towards sustainable and equitable growth.Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: If you're interested in the cannabis industry or entrepreneurship, don't miss Nhi's invaluable advice on finding your niche, handling industry shifts, and staying resilient in the face of challenges.Tune in to gain insights, find inspiration, and learn how industry leaders navigate their Pain Points to achieve success. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging content!
Join us on the Pain Points Podcast for an enlightening conversation with Matthew K. Pelkey, Partner at Colligan Law LLP, who brings a wealth of experience in high-growth ventures, technology, and business law. In this episode, Matthew shares his remarkable career journey, offering insights into the legal challenges he faced and overcame along the way. Discover how Matthew's practical approach to business law has made him a trusted advisor for startups, entrepreneurs, and established businesses across New York State.Matthew delves into the major Pain Points he encounters in his practice, from raising capital and structuring deals to navigating regulatory compliance and managing internal investigations. Learn how he helps clients tackle these challenges with strategies that balance legal considerations with business needs.We also explore Matthew's active involvement in the Western New York startup ecosystem, where he mentors and supports organizations like Upstate Venture Connect, TechStars, and 43North. Hear his perspectives on the Pain Points startups frequently face and the solutions that can drive their success.In addition, Matthew discusses emerging practice areas such as privacy law, cannabis, autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence, highlighting the Pain Points these industries face and how Colligan Law LLP is preparing to address them.Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or legal professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips for navigating the complex world of business law. Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the leading voices in the field!
Join us on the Pain Points Podcast for an enlightening conversation with Matthew K. Pelkey, Partner at Colligan Law LLP, who brings a wealth of experience in high-growth ventures, technology, and business law. In this episode, Matthew shares his remarkable career journey, offering insights into the legal challenges he faced and overcame along the way. Discover how Matthew's practical approach to business law has made him a trusted advisor for startups, entrepreneurs, and established businesses across New York State.Matthew delves into the major Pain Points he encounters in his practice, from raising capital and structuring deals to navigating regulatory compliance and managing internal investigations. Learn how he helps clients tackle these challenges with strategies that balance legal considerations with business needs.We also explore Matthew's active involvement in the Western New York startup ecosystem, where he mentors and supports organizations like Upstate Venture Connect, TechStars, and 43North. Hear his perspectives on the Pain Points startups frequently face and the solutions that can drive their success.In addition, Matthew discusses emerging practice areas such as privacy law, cannabis, autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence, highlighting the Pain Points these industries face and how Colligan Law LLP is preparing to address them.Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or legal professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips for navigating the complex world of business law. Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the leading voices in the field!
Welcome to another episode of The Pain Points Podcast, where we delve into the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned by leaders across various industries. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Brian Lehman, President of EmergenceTek Group (ETG), join us for an insightful conversation about his 20-year journey in executive management and the IT industry. Whether you're an aspiring leader in the IT sector, an entrepreneur facing startup challenges, or simply interested in how innovative companies like ETG overcome obstacles, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples.
Welcome to another episode of The Pain Points Podcast, where we delve into the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned by leaders across various industries. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Brian Lehman, President of EmergenceTek Group (ETG), join us for an insightful conversation about his 20-year journey in executive management and the IT industry. Whether you're an aspiring leader in the IT sector, an entrepreneur facing startup challenges, or simply interested in how innovative companies like ETG overcome obstacles, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples.
In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, we sit down with Ryan O'Connor, a Founding Partner and Wealth Management Advisor at Primacy Financial, a multi-specialized wealth management firm. Ryan's path to success is nothing short of inspiring. As a certified Financial Planner professional, he has built a career by offering tailored financial advice and written plans to business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and professionals like physicians and dentists. But like any great success story, Ryan's journey wasn't without its Pain Points. Ryan navigates the complexities of scaling a business and the critical decisions that drive growth. He also emphasizes the importance of setting high expectations to ensure you attract the right talent for your business. Lastly, he discusses balancing talent gaps with client satisfaction, ensuring that both client needs, and business objectives are met effectively. If you're looking to gain valuable insights on wealth management, business development, and overcoming your own hiring hurdles, this episode is a must-watch!
In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, we sit down with Amy Fogle, CEO of one of the fastest growing companies in Buffalo ~ Milestone's dedication and innovative approach has propelled them into this prestigious ranking, solidifying their position as a leading force in the Settlement Administration and Planning Industry.We explore how Milestone is transforming post-settlement solutions and streamlining mass tort distribution for law firms with their groundbreaking Pathway platform.Pathway is restoring transparency in the legal process, bridging the gap between claimants and law firms.Highlights:- Addressing legal industry Pain Points- Overcoming career challenges- Innovating with Pathway- Personalized client support- Empowering attorneysTune in to learn how Milestone is turning Pain Points into opportunities and paving the way for a more efficient future in legal settlements!
This week we tackle the pain points and challenges that arise in the world of recruitment technologies. Drawing from their extensive experience in the recruitment industry, Partner at StaffBuffalo, Lauren and Talent Optimization Specialist, Hilario explore the various platforms and tools that are essential for modern recruiting. They cover everything from navigating popular job posting sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, Handshake, and LinkedIn, to the nuances of recruitment marketing and the intricacies of applicant tracking systems (ATS). Tune in as we share insights, tips, and strategies to help you streamline your recruitment process and leverage technology to attract top talent more effectively. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable information to enhance your recruitment toolkit!
Working remotely offers flexibility, but it also comes with pain points. This week, we discuss how to overcome those pain points and build a strong, connected team – no matter where everyone is located! We explore strategies like using video calls for face-to-face connection, leveraging asynchronous communication, voice messages, and staying organized with multiple clocks and planners. We even cover how Hilario, are recruiting support specialist who works 6 hours ahead, keeps projects moving smoothly for the entire team. Whether you're navigating remote work yourself or managing a dispersed team, this episode offers practical tips to foster collaboration and stay engaged, no matter where you work.
We interviews Dr. Jackie, a double-boarded physician in internal medicine and hospice and palliative care, who owns Green Philosophy 716, a local cannabis dispensary. Dr. Jackie discusses her journey into cannabis medicine, sparked by her husband's use of cannabis for PTSD and his desire to move away from pharmaceuticals. This personal experience led her to explore the benefits of cannabis, ultimately opening Green Philosophy 716 to serve the community. This conversation highlights the potential of cannabis as an alternative to opioids and other pharmaceuticals, the ongoing fight against stigma, and the dedication required to establish a cannabis business. Dr. Jackie calls for continued education and research to shift public perceptions and deepen the understanding of cannabis' medical benefits.
This week's episode is all about recruitment. We have provided insights for both job seekers and hiring managers. We discuss the importance of being upfront with recruiters about your goals, and the pain points that arise when job seekers fail to do so. We also explore the benefits of working with a recruiter, especially with a StaffBuffalo recruiter, who can provide guidance and useful resources to job seekers. Moreover, we shed light on the pain points that companies face when hiring and how recruiters can help bridge the gap between their needs and the ideal candidate pool. To help listeners on their job search journey, the episode concludes with a list of valuable resources for job seekers.
In this episode, we continue our conversation about the pain points faced by startups. We tackle the nitty-gritty of user experience in a growing startup. How having a rock-solid foundation for your team by aligning everyone on your vision and core values is a key element to success. We emphasize the importance of having agile and flexible people on your team who can facilitate growth and implement necessary processes. Additionally, the use of technology such as Microsoft OneNote, Planner, and Teams for training and documentation is highlighted as a strategy for organizational development. Tune in now and learn how to navigate the exciting, yet challenging, world of startups!
Our goal is to engage in meaningful conversations about topics such as Talent Acquisition, Recruiting, Marketing, Human Resources, and more, drawing upon our expertise to offer practical advice and strategies. By delving deep into these issues, we aim to help businesses navigate through their challenges more effectively and ultimately improve their overall success.
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