S2 E14: Ginny Brandreth, COO of Zobel & Co. Kitchens

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly speaks with Ginny Brandreth, COO of Zobel and Co Kitchens. Ginny shares her journey from a marketing career to entrepreneurship. Ginny, who is also the current Chair of the Women’s Business Council of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, discusses the importance of networking, the challenges of starting a business, and the support available for women entrepreneurs in the Glens Falls community. Ginny emphasizes the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and the significance of community resources in fostering business growth.

S2 E13: Jess Keller, Owner, Light & Lens Studios

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Jess Keller, a photographer who has opened a community-focused space in Glens Falls, Light & Lens Studios. The conversation explores Jess’s journey into the art of photography, the vision behind creating a space for local artists, and the importance of community engagement.

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 E7: Erika Wood, Partner, and Vittoria Buzzelli, Counsel, Meliora Law, PLLC

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly speaks with Erica Wood and Vittoria Buzzelli from Meliora Law Firm about their journey in establishing a law firm that prioritizes collaboration, sustainability, and a supportive culture. They discuss the challenges of starting a new business, the importance of aligning with core values and creating an approachable environment for clients.

S2 E6: Lourene Bouffard, Owner, Every Penny Bookkeeping & Business Services (S2 Ep6)

In this episode, Ann Donnelly speaks with Lourene Bouffard, Owner of Every Penny Bookkeeping & Business Services, who shares her journey from aspiring CPA to entrepreneur, detailing the challenges she faced while starting her business during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of building strong client relationships, networking, and providing tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of service-based industries.

S2 E4: Paula Traina, State Farm Agent & Community Leader

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann speaks with Paula Traina, a dedicated State Farm agent with offices in Queensbury and Glens Falls who has built a thriving business rooted in community involvement and a passion for helping others. With a strong foundation in the insurance industry and a commitment to personal and professional growth, Traina has positioned herself as a trusted advisor and a valuable asset to the local community.

S1 E30: Megh & David Howard of Erbessd Instruments, A Global Leader In Machine Health Monitoring

This week, I bring you a very special episode of Building Success Stories—an interview with Megh and David Howard of Erbessd Instruments, a global leader in machine health monitoring. The company has customers in nearly every country and works with 145 distributors and partners worldwide. It has approximately 140 employees working between Glens Falls, two locations in Mexico, a European office in the United Kingdom, and a facility in India added last year.

S1 E15: Phil Casabona, Executive Director, Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC)

This episode of Building Success Stories is an interview with Phil Casabona, Executive Director of the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, more commonly known as LARAC.

We talk about how LARAC got started and hosted its well-known annual Arts Festival 52 years ago and how he and the staff of LARAC are carrying on the great work to support arts in this area with new exhibits and offerings throughout the year and distribute funding of approximately $100K to individuals and organizations in 2024.

S1 E13: Ryan Holderman, Owner/Coach, The Gym, Queensbury, NY

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Ryan Holderman, Owner of The Gym, Queensbury, NY. They discuss how he started in the fitness industry and how his career developed over the years. Holderman also discusses the history of The Gym and how he motivates his clients to achieve their goals.