S4 Bonus Episode: From Hidden to High-Traffic: Scaling Tease Salon & Beauty Bar Glens Falls NY

Ann Donnelly on September 2, 2026

How does relocating your brick-and-mortar business change your growth trajectory? In this bonus episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly visits Tease Salon & Beauty Bar on South Street in Glens Falls to speak with owner MeLinda Stanley. After eight years in a hidden spot, MeLinda shares how moving to a highly visible downtown location spurred a 20% growth in her business, driven by a massive increase in walk-in traffic. From grassroots marketing at the local farmers market to navigating downtown infrastructure changes, this episode is a quick masterclass in adapting to local economic shifts and scaling a service-based business to meet explosive demand.

S4 Bonus Episode: Inside Floro’s Mercantile Glens Falls with Owner Ali Gazetos Mineo

Ann Donnelly on August 25, 2026

Coming from the family behind the iconic New Way Lunch, Ali shares how she transformed her great-grandfather’s original 86-year restaurant footprint into a curated clothing and accessory boutique. Whether you’re curious about downtown commercial revitalization, the logistics of retail seasonality, or how to build a complementary business network in a growing city, this episode offers a firsthand look at Upstate New York’s retail evolution.

S4 E11: The South Street Renaissance: How NYS DRI & Private Investment are Transforming Glens Falls

Ann Donnelly on August 19, 2026

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.

S3 E19: Kevin Kroeze, Owner, The Use Less Store, Glens Falls NY

Ann Donnelly on April 7, 2026

Embracing Sustainability with the Use Less Store in Glens Falls

Discover how Kevin Kroeze has revolutionized local shopping with his eco-friendly refill store, bringing sustainable habits to Glens Falls. Learn about innovative products, community impact, and tips to start reducing waste today.

S3 E11: Felicia Lynn, Owner, Hometown Board Shop, Glens Falls

Ann Donnelly on February 2, 2026

In this conversation, Felicia Lynn, owner of Hometown Board Shop in Glens Falls, shares her journey from a passionate snowboarder and ski instructor to a business owner. She discusses the challenges of starting a business, the importance of community engagement, and her plans for the future of the shop. Felicia emphasizes the significance of mentorship and building a supportive team while navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship in the outdoor sports industry.

S3 E7: Kara Magoolaghan, Principal, KMCG LLC, and Co-Owner, Hometown, Glens Falls

Ann Donnelly on December 3, 2025

In this episode, Kara Magoolaghan, principal of KMCG LLC, discusses her journey from mechanical engineering to founding a consultancy focused on helping nonprofits and small governments with capital projects. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable and resilient building practices, particularly in affordable housing, and shares insights on the challenges faced by community-centric organizations. Kara also reflects on her passion for charitable work and the rewarding experience of entrepreneurship.

S2 E2: Riham LaRussa, Owner, SmallPackages.co

Ann Donnelly on November 21, 2024

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.