Upstate NY's Voices of Authority
In this exclusive bonus feature of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly has a conversation with Kara Magoolaghan, co-owner of Hometown Shop on the newly revitalized South Street. Kara shares the origin story of her unique storefront – how the commercial space “found her” and inspired a mission to help residents inject personality into their new white-box apartments.
What happens when ambitious private investment leverages the momentum of a $10M New York State DRI initiative? Look no further than the newly revitalized 46-56 South Street block in Downtown Glens Falls. Just a year ago, this block was defined by chain-link fences and vacant windows. Today, thanks to developer Chris Patten and a wave of young entrepreneurs, it is a self-sustaining micro-economy.
What if the secret to building a resilient regional economy isn’t chasing smokestacks or mega-factories, but leveraging the irreplaceable “power of place”?
In this episode of Four Blonde Moms, Co-Hosts Ann Donnelly and energy healer Laura Killian sit down for a deep dive into her personal journey from dental hygienist to intuitive healer. Laura demystifies energy work, breaking down what Reiki actually is, how frequency and intention play a role in everyday life, and why healing modalities work best when we get out of our heads and into our hearts.
In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with John Snyder, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Park Theater Foundation in Glens Falls, New York. Relocating from a remote village in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, John brings a unique blend of experience in the performing arts and nonprofit leadership to the historic downtown venue. Listen in as they discuss John’s community-driven vision for the theater, exciting new summer programming, and his ultimate goal to get Glens Falls audiences up out of their seats and dancing.
In this episode, Ann Donnelly sits down with Colleen Carlson, the Director of Sales at the Saratoga Casino Hotel, to explore a career that spans decades at one of Saratoga’s most iconic properties. From her humble beginnings selling race programs at age 15 to overseeing sales for a massive complex that includes a hotel, casino, fine dining, and elite event spaces, Colleen shares the “magic” behind their “under one roof” strategy.
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.
Join Ann Donnelly as she learns about the culinary (and business) journey of Jakob White, the chef and co-owner of Cleome Table and Bar in Glens Falls, New York.
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.
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.
