S4 E10: How Authentic Communities Win in the Age of AI with Jim Siplon, EDC Warren County, NY
What if the secret to building a resilient regional economy isn’t chasing smokestacks or mega-factories, but leveraging the irreplaceable “power of place”?
S4 E9: Mastering the “Human Layer” of Cybersecurity: Vicki Marking & Bryan Carr, LayerEight
In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Vicki Marking and Bryan Carr from Layer Eight. Layer Eight is an IT company that recently expanded its presence from Plattsburgh to a new office on Broad Street in Glens Falls.
S4 E6: The AI Equalizer: How Local Businesses Can Compete with Enterprise Giants
Are you a business owner drowning in daily tasks and struggling to scale? In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly sits down with Christopher Crowd, the tech specialist and founder behind Severus AI, a new Glens Falls-based business. Christopher shares how artificial intelligence is no longer just for massive tech giants; it’s a powerful tool ready to level the playing field for solopreneurs and local businesses. From AI voice agents that never miss a lead to customized workflow automations that act as your fractional executive assistant, Christopher breaks down how their platform, Ada, gives you your time back. Discover how implementing private, business-centric AI can revolutionize your customer care, supercharge your social media, and help you fall in love with your business all over again.
S4 E5: Building a Foundation of Trust: How Northern Builders is Expanding the Trades and Workforce Growth
In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with co-founders Mark Stewart and Nic Denno. After merging their independent contracting companies in 2020, Mark and Nic have scaled Northern Builders into a regional powerhouse. They pull back the curtain on how their background in public service forged an unbreakable business partnership, how they are actively combating the skilled-trades workforce shortage, and what it takes to manage sustainable business growth in Upstate New York.
S4 E2: Kevin O’Brien, President & Insurance Sherpa, TechFirst Insurance
In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Kevin O’Brien, co-founder of TechFirst Insurance Agency. With a career spanning decades—from working with industry giants like Travelers to leading family-run agencies and bank consolidations—Kevin has seen the insurance landscape transform through technology and private equity.
S4 E1: Spencer Bray & Nic Ketter, Founders, Realize Brokers & Consultants, Glens Falls, NY
What do aviation, cryptocurrency, and a chance meeting at a local cigar bar have to do with the future of real estate in Glens Falls? In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Spencer Bray and Nic Ketter, the innovative co-founders of Realize Brokers. Rejecting the older, traditional methods of property brokering, this duo is rewriting the rules of the local market. Discover how their unique backgrounds—from fueling planes to working in emerging tech at General Electric—led to a real estate agency built on custom digital marketing, intense discretion, and deep community relationships. Whether you are looking to buy, thinking of selling a business, or just want to understand the shifting landscape of Upstate New York real estate, this episode is packed with insider knowledge.
S3 E21: Colleen Carlson, Director of Sales, Saratoga Casino Hotel
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.
S3 E19: Kevin Kroeze, Owner, The Use Less Store, Glens Falls NY
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 E16: Jared Humiston, President & CEO, Adirondack Technical Solutions (ADKtechs)
In this episode, Jared Humiston, President and CEO of Adirondack Technical Solutions (ADKtechs), shares his journey from a small startup to a thriving IT service provider focused on proactive cybersecurity, strategic growth, and company culture. Discover how intentional client selection, embracing technology, and investing in team well-being have fueled their success over two decades.
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.