S3 E15: Ryan McNaughton, Owner, Stinky’s Coffee Co

Discover the inspiring journey of Ryan McNaughton as he transforms his passion for coffee into a community-centered coffee shop in Moreau. From humble beginnings with homebrewing to opening a bustling local spot, Ryan shares insights into entrepreneurship, ethical sourcing, and fostering the local community.

S2 E10: Johanna von Geldern, Owner, Mint Restaurant

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Johanna von Geldern, owner of Mint Farm to Table Restaurant. Mint grew a dedicated following quickly when it opened in Glens Falls in 2022 and is now expanding with a new location in Slingerlands opening in March 2025. Johanna shares her journey into the culinary world and emphasizes the connection between food, health, and wellness.

S2 E2: Riham LaRussa, Owner, SmallPackages.co

In this episode of Building Success Stories, I speak with Riham LaRussa, owner of Saratoga-based Small Packages, a company built on the idea that gift-giving should be personal and stress-free. Riham left the corporate world to take over Small Packages in late 2022 and aims to empower customers to find the perfect gift for any occasion.

S2 E1: Jenny & Chris Dore, Owners, The Peppermill Family Restaurant

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews culinary power couple Jenny and Chris Dore, who have recently taken over the Peppermill Family Restaurant in South Glens Falls. They discuss their backgrounds, the legacy of the restaurant, their vision for the future, and the importance of community engagement. Chris shares his culinary journey and the thoughtful process behind transitioning ownership, while Jenny emphasizes the significance of maintaining the restaurant’s family-friendly atmosphere. The couple highlights their commitment to evolving the menu based on customer feedback and building trust with their staff and the community.