S4 E6: The AI Equalizer: How Local Businesses Can Compete with Enterprise Giants

Ann Donnelly on June 17, 2026

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

Ann Donnelly on June 10, 2026

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 E3: John Snyder, Executive Director, The Park Theater Foundation, Glens Falls, NY

Ann Donnelly on May 26, 2026

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.

S4 E2: Kevin O’Brien, President & Insurance Sherpa, TechFirst Insurance

Ann Donnelly on May 10, 2026

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

Ann Donnelly on May 3, 2026

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 E20: Sharon Horton, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Northern Saratoga, Warren, Washington Counties

Ann Donnelly on April 20, 2026

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly sits down with Sharon Horton, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. With a rich background spanning hospitality and major nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and NAMI, Sharon brings a wealth of operational and advocacy expertise to the region’s housing challenges. Sharon discusses the profound, generational impact of homeownership, the organization’s strategic pivot to modular building to combat rising costs and weather delays, and the exciting new initiatives on the horizon—including a powerful “Women Build” project in Hudson Falls.

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 E14: Lake George Regional Chamber Women in Business Live @ Herzog Law Firm

Ann Donnelly on March 9, 2026

In this episode, we attend the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Women In Business meeting and interview some of the attendees. We explore how the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses, fosters community connections, and offers valuable resources for entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and established businesses alike. From networking events to advocacy and education, discover how their strategic initiatives help businesses thrive in the Lake George region.

S3 E13: John Jacobs, Inventor & former Owner, Inside Edge & Reliable Racing

Ann Donnelly on March 2, 2026

This conversation explores the history and evolution of Inside Edge and Reliable Racing, detailing the journey of the family business from its origins to its current state. The discussion highlights innovations in ski racing equipment, the transition of leadership, and the ongoing contributions to the ski industry. It also touches on the changing landscape of ski racing, the financial challenges faced by athletes, and personal reflections on life and business.