WNY Entrepreneur

What does it take to grow a home organizing business from a one-woman side hustle to the largest operation of its kind in Western New York? In this episode, Tonya Cunningham, founder of Next Chapter Solutions, shares the real behind-the-scenes journey of building a 17-person team—without a business degree, startup capital, or traditional management experience.Entrepreneurs will hear how Tonya:Turned her natural talent into a scalable serviceBuilt a flexible team culture that thrives without burnoutAttracts the right clients by knowing when to say noCreated systems out of chaos to streamline growthUsed family collaboration to spin off multiple aligned businessesWhether you're in the service industry or simply looking to grow with more intention, Tonya's story is packed with practical lessons and fresh perspective on leadership, hiring, and growing a business that reflects your values.Listen in and walk away with clarity, encouragement, and maybe a few ideas to clean up your own operations.

In this solo episode, I get real about the hard but necessary changes I've made over the past six months as a business owner, husband, and dad. From cutting my workweek down to three days, turning down “good” opportunities, to focusing only on profit-building activities and deep relationships—this episode is a reflection on what truly matters.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your own calendar, unsure if your content is landing, or burned out from saying yes to too much, this one's for you.We'll cover:Why “family first” has to show up in your schedule, not just your wordsHow to rethink your content strategy for clarity and real connectionThe deep lake vs wide lake mindsetDelegating with trust (and consequences)The shift from reach to relationship in marketingAnd the freedom of not needing to be everywhere

Kelly Phillips, owner of The Lodge Auction House, shares how she turned a lifelong passion into a 22-year business rooted in transparency and trust. From navigating estate liquidations to managing a team through personal loss, Kelly breaks down what it takes to scale a service business while staying true to your values. Her story is a mix of grit, growth, and great business lessons.What You'll Learn:How to turn a passion into a long-term businessThe power of transparency and consistency in brand buildingDelegation strategies for small service teamsHow to adapt when markets shiftLessons from handling both high-end estates and emotional client situations

In this solo episode, David Schaub, founder of WNY Entrepreneur, pulls back the curtain on something few business owners talk about—the unexpected downsides of growth. We all want to scale, but is it actually bringing you more peace, profit, or freedom?David shares honest insights from years of mentoring entrepreneurs, leading mastermind groups, and living the business owner life himself. You'll be challenged to rethink what success really looks like, especially in the context of your current season of life.If you're feeling stretched thin, constantly chasing the next milestone, or wondering if there's a better way to grow—this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Western New York Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Deacon Tasker—one of Buffalo's top real estate agents and co-owner of Rosie's Ice Cream, a beloved local scoop shop with two growing locations. Deacon shares how he successfully manages two very different businesses, all while raising five kids and staying deeply rooted in the Buffalo community.You'll learn:How Deacon scaled both a service-based and product-based businessWhat systems and people he put in place to get out of the day-to-day grindWhy building a brand experience matters more than price in competitive marketsHow to build something seasonal or flexible to match your lifestyle goalsWhat real estate taught him about running a brick-and-mortar shop (and vice versa)Why community collaborations and grassroots marketing still winTips for launching a business while keeping your sanity and values intact

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Valerio, owner of Four Winds Chimney, to talk about how he scaled his contracting business from a one-man operation to over 50 employees in just seven years—right here in Western New York.Anthony shares how a personal injury sparked his entrepreneurial journey, how he hires and retains top talent in a tough labor market, and why focusing on people over profit has been the key to sustainable growth.You'll learn:How to build systems that support scaling (even if you hate admin work)Why delegating early—even before you're “ready”—is crucialHow to turn your first few hires into long-term team membersWhat culture actually means in a service business (and how to create it)Tips for attracting and keeping talent in contracting and tradesWhy branding matters even in local home servicesHow Anthony used marketing, mentorship, and leadership to build a trusted name in multiple citiesWhether you're a solo operator or running a small team, Anthony's approach will inspire you to think bigger—and grow smarter.

Meet Sal Alaimo, a powerhouse in the plumbing and heating industry with over 30 years of experience and a decade as a successful business owner. Born and raised in North Buffalo to immigrant parents, Sal's entrepreneurial journey is a story of resilience, adaptability, and strategic growth.After becoming a father at 22, Sal left college and jumped into the trades, starting as a carpenter's apprentice before finding his niche in HVAC and plumbing. He quickly climbed the ranks, joining Local 22 in 2003 and leading major commercial projects like Ralph Wilson Stadium and Harborcenter as a steward and foreman. But when layoffs became frequent, Sal took control of his future—launching his own company in 2015 as a sole proprietor.Sal's turning point came in 2023 after a serious injury forced him to scale his business. He expanded his operation, purchased more trucks, and hired a team—transforming a one-man operation into a growing business. His story reflects the entrepreneurial spirit: knowing when to pivot, when to grow, and how to build a business that stands the test of time.Sal's journey from the job site to business ownership is packed with hard-earned lessons and strategic wins. Tune in to hear how he leveraged decades of experience to create a thriving business and why adaptability is the key to entrepreneurial success.

Meet Tony Galbo, a Lancaster, NY native now thriving in Clarence with his wife and three boys. Tony is a natural-born entrepreneur whose passion for growth and tangible success has propelled him to impressive heights as a business owner, husband, and father. As President of Galbo Group, Tony's journey began as a specialty contractor in masonry—but he didn't stop there.With his construction business thriving, Tony took a bold step into real estate by purchasing a multi-tenant commercial and industrial property, which became home to Galbo Group and sparked a deeper passion for real estate. Since then, he's expanded his portfolio to include multi-family homes, additional commercial properties, warehouse spaces, and a property management firm. Tony's entrepreneurial spirit has also led him into the restaurant business, proving that his “the sky is the limit” mindset knows no bounds.Tony's drive to succeed extends beyond business—he's building a legacy for his family and team, instilling a belief that anything is possible. Tune in to hear how Tony's fearless approach to business and life continues to push boundaries and inspire those around him.

Meet Jennifer Whitmarsh, a trailblazing entrepreneur with over 18 years of industry experience and the visionary behind Snappy Dry Cleaning. Jennifer's path from working the front counter as a teenager to owning her own full-service cleaner is a masterclass in determination, leadership, and strategic growth.Jennifer didn't just open a dry cleaner—she built a brand rooted in exceptional customer service and trust. Certified in dry cleaning (yes, there's a school for that!), Jennifer's expertise extends beyond her own business. She now coaches other dry cleaners nationwide through The Route Pro's, specializing in customer service and operational excellence.Her leadership style is built on teamwork and empowerment. Jennifer believes in surrounding herself with talented people whose skills complement her own—creating a strong, customer-focused team that thrives. Her belief? "We're not in the dry cleaning business—we're in the customer service business… we just happen to help you clean up some messes at the same time.”Jennifer's journey from employee to industry expert is a blueprint for scaling a business while maintaining a strong company culture. Tune in to discover how Jennifer built a thriving business by putting relationships and service at the heart of her success.

Bill Testa, President & CEO of DirectMail 20|20 and creator of Frintz™, has spent over 40 years transforming the printing and marketing industry. He turned a bold idea into a patented business model that delivers free printed photos while offering advertisers a 100% open rate marketing opportunity. Beyond business, Bill is passionate about community impact, serving as Rotary Club President and supporting causes like breast cancer research and the Special Olympics through the Frintz Fund. In this episode, he shares how he built a disruptive business, the importance of patents and scaling efficiently, and the mindset shifts that helped him overcome challenges. Whether you're a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, Bill's insights on innovation, resilience, and giving back will inspire you. Tune in for an episode packed with real-world lessons and entrepreneurial wisdom!

ric is a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and a friend to many---his focus is always on serving and helping others. Eric's career has spanned a fewdecades, in a number of industries and learning and using various disciplines.From an agricultural representative (degree in horticulture from the University ofWI), to a senior buyer for a fortune 100 food company, to the selling andmarketing of a diverse array of products and services to a wide variety of markets.Though not originally from here, Eric loves WNY and has considered it home for30 years. After being downsized from corporate America 15 years ago he started Picture Your Walls LLC, which offers wall decor solutions, custom framing, fine art printing, and photo restoration. The company stands by their motto of Picture Your Wall YOUR WAY!

Justin Charles Whitted is the owner of Salon Justin Charles as well as the owner of Bogo Properties, LLC. After returning home from the Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy in London, England, Justin Charles was inspired and determined to build a salon reflective of his newly refined skills. Justin Charles creates sophisticated looks that are technically precise, effortlessly chic, and are easy to recreate day after day.Justin was born and raised in Western New York and now lives in the Elmwood Village with his wife and two young children.

Jeremy Meindl is the Director of Marketing at Williams Media and Hueston. After high school,he joined a Vancouver startup to create spam-filtering rules for the Canadian government andBlackBerry.  Later, he ran ad operations and SEO for Cleveland Clinic and built an online store that reached over $1.5 million in its first year. He also rose to the top tier of affiliate work for DraftKings, Lull Mattress, and others. Now, Jeremy develops programmatic SEO and marketing plans for clients at Hueston and Williams Media. He lives in Western New York with his wife Brenna and their two children, having recently returned from Maui.

Howard Cadmus is from downstate New York. After putting himself through college at Albany, he came to Western New York for law school and stayed in the area to work as an attorney. An entrepreneur at heart, in 2007, Howard started his own law firm and two years later started Oh Pour L'amour Du Chocolat.  He also purchased Jenny's that same year and started 1811 Comics in 2014. In 2020, he helped to launch Mizuchi Dojo.

Shawn Glogowski, CFP®, EA has been in the financial industry forover 20 years. Ten years ago, Shawn founded Note Advisors(formerly GCW Capital Group) with his colleague and friend TomWaring, Jr. in the hopes of providing clients a more holisticapproach to wealth management. Shawn loves sharing his knowledge with anyone who's ready toachieve their vision in their own life and business. He specializesin helping his clients create, implement, and monitor acomprehensive financial plan that aligns with both their personaland business visions. Shawn is the director of the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation,Co-Chair of the WNY chapter of Tee it Up for the Troops andBoard Member of The Ronald McDonald House. He's a proudBuffalo native and graduate of UB. In his free time, Shawn enjoysspending time with his wife and two daughters.

Frank DiMaria has been the CEO of Frank's Basement Systems for five years and has been an official owner of this family-owned business for just over a year. During his tenure, he has not only doubled the company's size and annual revenue but also successfully expanded operations into Rochester. In addition to his achievements with Frank's Basement Systems, Frank has diversified his entrepreneurial portfolio by acquiring Huber Electric, founding ElliottRose Real Estate, and launching Kebec Holdings, a portfolio holding company. Committed to community impact, Frank believes in teaching and coaching people. Above all, he values family, cherishing time with his wife, son, and daughter while fostering a legacy of excellence and integrity.

Stephanie Skryzowski is a Chief Financial Officer and founder of 100 Degrees Consulting. The company helps nonprofit leaders better understand and use their numbers to make smart decisions that grow their bottom line and their impact and provides financial strategy and bookkeeping services exclusively to nonprofits around the world.Stephanie is the author of the upcoming book Do Good and Prosper, a guide for purpose-driven professionals to achieve both fulfillment and prosperity in their personal and professional lives. Through her book, podcast (The Prosperous Nonprofit), and workshops, she empowers mission-drivenindividuals to embrace a new way of thinking about impact and prosperity.When she is not helping nonprofits create financial clarity, you can find Stephanie running marathons, reading her way through 50 books a year, or enjoying life and traveling with her family. She is passionate about showing people that they don't have to choose between doing good and livinga prosperous life—they can have both!

Upstate Roots Design is a woman-owned boutique business specializing in staging and design across Western New York. Co-owners Meagan Baker and Kristin Lindley leverage design as a strategic tool to highlight a home's best features and inspire potential buyers to emotionally connect with the property. This connection often results in higher demand and a greater return on investment during the real estate transaction.  With 110 staged properties and contributions to over $34 million in real estate transactions in 2024, their proven expertise brings together relatable, innovative beauty and an exceptional client experience. At URD, it's what's inside that counts, and their commitment is to make every property feel like “home.”

Rich Chiano is a marketing professional with over 30 years of comprehensive experience in the industry. Before establishing Enrich Marketing seven years ago, he had 25 years dedicated to the media industry, holding various roles from Account Executive to General Managerat several prominent TV and radio stations. This extensive background equipped Rich with a deep understanding of the media landscape and the ability to drive substantial growth in marketing initiatives. Deeply passionate about business owners to expand their ventures, Rich believes that innovative, strategic marketing is essential in helping businesses achieve their objectives.

Nick is rated the #1 Tour Guide in Niagara Falls and Winner of the Golden Buffalo Award for “Best Tour Event in America”. Nick's favorite spot in Niagara Falls, besides at home with his wife and kids, is Luna Island. "Niagara Falls is in my heart. Some days, I feel like this rushing water was put here for me. There are few things that I love more than my home. If before you leave, I can share just a glimpse of what this place means to me, you will fall in love too!" 

Rosanna St. John is a certified public bookkeeper, and the owner of Canna bookkeeper LLC. She started the business in 2021, in response to the Marijuana Regulations and Taxation Act in New York State. The mission was simple, help high risk business owners satisfy the never-ending compliance. Canna Bookkeeper LLC specializes in providing day-to-day accountancy and bookkeeping services tailored to small and medium sized businesses.  The commitment extends to supporting local enterprises and contributing to the economic growth of New York. Through a hands-on approach, they've cultivated robust partnerships and forged collaborations across a wide array of industries.

Anthony M. DeSimone is a leading expert in helping businesses monetize AI to enhance efficiency and profitability. With over 25 years of experience as a CPA and CMA, he specializes in integrating AI with data to optimize small business operations. As the owner of 'You're the Expert Now, LLC,' and an adjunct professor at the University at Buffalo, Tony teaches entrepreneurs how to effectively leverage AI. Through his podcast, 'AI Mastermind,' and as a keynote speaker, he demonstrates AI's transformative potential in business, from writing books to creating custom content using AI tools.

In this episode, host David Schaub dives deep into the essentials of hiring, training, and retaining entry-level sales reps for any industry. Whether you run a retail store, a B2B service, or a blue-collar business, this episode is packed with practical insights on how to find the right talent, develop effective training programs, and create a culture that keeps sales reps motivated. Tune in to discover actionable strategies to build a sales team that drives growth, with a special focus on training and cultural fit.

Nick is recognized as a digital marketing expert by many, including Ford Motor Company, RYSE Supplements & NRG Energy.He speaks often on business development, advertising, analytics and helpsbrands navigate the nuances of the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape.His day-to-day is centered around operating his businesses and consulting on technical and strategic execution of advanced sales and marketing techniques, including scalable solutions for customer relationship management and marketing automation.His experience ranges from print marketing and (viral) content marketing todigital marketing and sales technology integration.

Christopher Schunk is a business owner born and raised in WNY.  After being laid off in 2008 following a 15-year career in manufacturing, he faced 2 ½ years of uncertainty and doubt, unsure if he would ever regain his footing. Starting a business that no one believed in was his only option, but against all odds, it has not only survived but thrived, becoming the largest independent furniture retailer in the area in an industry dominated by big-box giants.  

Emily is invested in Buffalo and invested in her clients. With a thorough hands-on approach, Emily's strategy is fine tuned for each client she serves.  Extensive knowledge and experience in all realms of real estate and every market in the WNY area, her focused enthusiasm works for the best interests of her clients to bring their vision to fruition and transactions to the closing table. From first time home buyers, investments, both residential and commercial- Emily prides herself in her career in fine tuning the service she provides to her clients to assure their needs being met for the best outcome possible, regardless of the property specifics or price point. 

Mike has dedicated his entire life to the seafood business, starting at a young age by driving to New York City every week to procure the freshest fish from the bustling Fulton Fish Market and bring it back to Buffalo. This commitment ensured that Bailey Seafood had the widest selection of seafood in Buffalo. Twenty years ago, Mike purchased the market from his parents and transformed it into a thriving take-out only seafood spot. He focuses on cooked-to-order dishes, specialty menu items, seafood boils, and thetraditional fish fry. Under his leadership, Bailey Seafood has become Buffalo's # seafood spot for decades.

Jason Wood is the owner and designer of 1979 Designs, a company that makes custom pins. He has worked diligently to build strong relationships with clients and deliver high quality products. Some of his clients include Ketel One Vodka, Fernet Branca, Campari, Founders Brewery, and Edrington Americas. 1979 Designs has produced as many as 60,000 pins at a time. Jason loves making customized, limited-edition pins for small businesses, parties, and weddings.

James Wangelin, a 2012 graduate of Buffalo State College (University), embodies the love for entrepreneurship. From his humble beginnings on campus, where he founded his first business, Summer Storage, James has consistently demonstrated his ability to turn ideas into successful ventures. After selling Summer Storage, James redirected his focus to real estate,where he has cultivated a rental portfolio valued at 8 million dollars which encompassesAirbnbs, corporate housing, and long-term rentals. Not content with just one endeavor, James also manages a construction company with three dedicated crews and a growing real estate brokerage with 40 Realtors across Western New York. With his entrepreneurial spirit, Jamescontinues to push the boundaries of success in both business and real estate.

Joe Petralia is a dedicated Mortgage Loan Originator at Genesee Regional Bank, where he harnesses his extensive knowledge in financial services to help families and individuals navigate the complexities of home financing. A proud Rochester native, Joe holds an MBA from St. John Fisher University and deeply values the community he has always called home.Outside of his professional life, Joe is deeply involved in local networking and charity, as an inaugural member of the Jay Birnbaum Leadership Development Program and Board Member of Temple Beth El. When he's not assisting his clients or engaged in community work, Joe enjoys traveling, playing the keyboard, and being active. 

Joseph Klem always knew that he would be self employed. An only child with a penchant forlearning and action. He has been the owner of Joe's Moving Co. in Rochester, NY since 2015when he was 18 years old. The business now completes over 1000 moves per year with plansto develop within the moving service industry.

Joe Manzella is the dynamic owner of Junk King Buffalo, where he has revolutionized the junk removal industry with exceptional service and eco-friendly practices. Under his leadership, Junk King Buffalo has become the go-to solution for residential and commercial cleanouts, consistently exceeding customer expectations. With a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to sustainability, Joe has built a thriving business that not only clears clutter but also contributes to a greener planet. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence set him apart as a true leader in his field. 

An interesting conversation with Gary Lutz, who is the owner of Lutz Bookkeeping Solutions LLC. Gary helps small business owners keep their books organized so they can focus on what's important to them. While keeping the books are often the last thing on many business owners' minds, Gary has been successful in keeping his clients on track. 

Clinton was born and raised in the City of Buffalo. Went the the Marines right after high school. Upon discharge he worked at American Axle while working nights on his commercial cleaning business. Quit American Axle to run his business full time which also turned into a construction business for 13 years. He sold the construction business and bought a home inspection franchise with Pillar to Post.

Jeff Gerber managed a McDonald's during his 20s and decided he needed a side hustle. In this podcast episode we talk about is journey from managing a fast food restaurant to now owning a 26 employee cleaning company that was voted (By the Buffalo News) in 2023 the best cleaning service in WNY. Theyprovide the white glove treatment in whether it commercial or residential cleaning. I guess you could say their reputation is..spotless.

Matt went from being accountant to owning a local swimming pool service start up. He owns 716 Pool Service and is now working on scaling the business and increasing his market share. Matt's business takes the hassle out of owning a swimming pool while helping protect his client's investment that they've made in their property.

Drew Cerza is affectionately known as the Wing King locally and nationally as the Founder of the National Buffalo Wing Festival. As a serial entrepreneur, Drew has been a real estate investor for over 25 years. For ten years Drew founding and ran RMI Promotions Group, a national food promotion company that raised money for local charities. Drew has served on over 15 local non-profit boards as he always believes in giving back to the community. Many accolades including,Buffalo Citizen of the Year, Italian man of the year and Tourism executive of the year has been honored upon Drew in recognition off his work in the community.

Jeremy Ballsmith is a self-made real estate broker and owner of a local property management, sales firm and construction company servicing over 200 owners around the world and assisting them with their local WNY and Rochester real estate needs. With a focus on real estate, his engagements go far beyond. With interests in aviation aircraft leaseback and management, real estate holdings and a new upcoming restaurant venture due to open late 2023 its safe to say he has embraced his ADHD personality and likes to keep moving about.

Our guest today is the Founder of Social Chameleon, a podcast production, distribution, and content company. They specialize in creating audio & video podcasts for entrepreneurs, as well as organizations. He is also the host of MIKE'D UP!, a podcast that showcases inspiring guests and other talented individuals who deliver their personal stories and insights to provide the ammo needed to LEVEL UP and achieve your greatest dreams. Welcome to the show, Mike DiCioccio (Dee-Choh-Choh).

Ginine Capozzi is the Founder and President of KnowledgeForce Consulting, LLC. She is a strategic, dynamic, and pragmatic Learning and Development professional known for her deep business insights and the ability to create learning experiences grounded in the best practices of adult learning theory and cognitive/behavioral research. Ginine has earned a Bachelor of Science from Rochester Institute of Technology, and a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Adult Learning from Buffalo State College, in addition to certifications in Articulate Storyline, HBDI®, Whole Brain® Thinking, and Hogan Assessments. She has held various roles in education and training throughout her career, including high school teacher, college professor, training facilitator, instructional designer, and learning solutions architect. In 2012 Ginine founded KnowledgeForce Consulting to support businesses seeking an employee training and development program that goes beyond skill building alone and provides lasting value to learners and organizations. She specializes in helping organizations address change, increase performance and productivity, develop leadership, increase motivation and engagement, and accelerate the pace of learning in the workplace. Her “Putting the S in L&D: Strategy, Scalability, and Sustainability” model is designed to empower learning that measurably impacts organizations and is the foundation of her approach to “Training Reimagined.” In addition to her professional experience, Ginine is also a board member of the Association of Talent Development (Buffalo Chapter) and is a founding organizer of DisruptHR Buffalo. In June of 2022, Ginine marked the 10th anniversary of KnowledgeForce Consulting with the launch of Invest in Your Community, a charitable initiative aimed at elevating the work of local non-profit organizations.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and Certified EOS Implementer, Stas Balanevsky has a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by business owners. With over 30 years of experience across diverse industries, including healthcare, digital marketing and media, sporting goods, and international finance, Stas has developed a well-rounded skillset and a passion for helping others succeed. Starting his first business at just 13 years old, Stas has nurtured a lifelong love for entrepreneurship and the drive to push others to achieve their goals. In addition to his work as a Certified EOS Implementer, Stas is a highly sought-after speaker, a member of the Western New York Vistage trusted advisor group, an Entrepreneurial Leap Collaborator and serves on the board of the Holimont Ski Club. When Stas is not working, he can be found on the slopes of said Holimont Ski Resort or on the water, enjoying his passions for skiing and sailing. He is married with two adult children and loves traveling the globe with his family and friends. Stas brings a unique combination of expertise, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit to his work, making him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to achieve its goals and reach new heights. Check out EOS Implementers Here

Josh Briner is a short-term rental investor, teacher, and entrepreneur. He and his business partner own short-term rentals throughout Upstate New York and the midwest. They also own Vibe Short-Term Rental Management, which seeks to provide quality short-term rental management services to owners throughout Upstate New York. Josh also founded the Facebook group Upstate New York Airbnb Investors which acts as a social networking hub for short-term rental investors in the region.

Wendy is the Founder and Director of the Creative Relationship Center with a background in Relationship and Communication Skills and an Expertise in Enneagram Relationships and better marriages. Having struggled through her own relationship struggles and losses, she looks at the starts and stops of life as an opportunity to integrate your past to heal and accept life in a more positive way. She believes that learning to ‘unstick' our selves from past destructive relationship styles and relate more honestly and clearly gives us the tools for a successful future. Wendy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Divorce and Family Business Mediator and an Enneagram Couples/Marriage Coach. She has served as a Human Resource Director, a Crisis Counselor to high level tragedies and is often called upon by WBEN as the “Relationship Expert” and has been a phenomenal force of transformation for many of her clients. A producer and host of the WKBW show "ALL About Love", Wendy has helped couples to understand the complexities and successes of relationships. She believes developing quality Communication Skills, Emotional Intelligence and Financial Stability are the keys to every successful relationship!

For twenty years I have created companies devoted to elevating construction standards with employees and clients while creating beautiful environments. I'm perpetually motivated by growth and improvement.

From humble beginnings on Sean's apartment porch in 2009, The Mac Groups' award-winning team has grown organically for a decade, evolving to become the Nickel City's certified Premier Google Partner. As WNY's 1st Social Media Agency, The Mac Groups has launched over 200 successful, revenue-generating campaigns – TMG's expertise recognized through hand-selected invites to Googleplex California, LinkedIn corporate headquarters as well as 1 Hacker Way – Facebook's main campus. Sean has been the Director of Digital Marketing for Actor/Celebrity Mark Wahlberg for the last 9 years, he has won several awards and continues to share his creative digital experiences with those who need help. He's a hyper-responsive leader that can jump into action at a moment's notice. He answers the phone, responds to email, and he doesn't let busy days get in the way of our client's needs. Most importantly, Sean believes work should be fun. Whether it's through the super creative concepts he can come up or the engaging campaigns we launch and promote on social media, we know how to take our fun, enthusiastic attitudes and translate them into amazing work for our clients.

Jim Roberts is a true leader. WNY Metro Roberts Realty will do over 400 million dollars in sales and over 2000 sides while paying out over 7 million dollars at 100% commission. Jim Roberts is changing lives. He also owns: Jim Roberts Realty and Appraisal Metro Property Preservation MRR Property Solutions MRR Private Lender WNY Digital Solutions

Tom left a six-figure sales job in insurance to start his own agency from scratch. With only have 1 insurance company to represent, he went on to get contracts with 18 insurance companies. He also started a “cluster” of agencies in Buffalo & Rochester – 8 agency strong now, to have more clout with all those insurance companies.

Stephen is a military officer who brings ten years of experience in operations, recruiting and marketing. Stephen lives the values of servant leadership and believes that this world could benefit from more kindness. Stephen believes in providing autonomy to his employees and provides opportunities to those who lead values-driven lives. Stephen also serves on numerous non-profit boards and believes that "to whom much is given, much is expected". He is a devoted husband to his wife Madeline and is a resident of East Aurora, NY.

Jeff is a guy who understands software tech but talks about why it is important, and how to use it effectively in real life. He is the leader of Creative Data Insights, a team of professionals focused on digital marketing and helping software entrepreneurs tell their stories. They use Product Management best practices and Agile continuous learning to measure and summarize behavior to guide an impactful roadmap.

Matt Riley is a social media marketer, content creator, ultra-runner, and guitarist. He got his start with social media marketing at a young age growing Facebook pages to thousands of followers. In high school, he grew a guitar-related page to over 65 thousand followers. From there he transitioned into freelance social media work and now runs social media accounts full-time.