Upstate NY's Voices of Authority
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.
This conversation explores the journey of a family-owned ski shop, discussing its operations, the evolution of ski equipment, and the challenges faced in the ski industry. The speakers reflect on their experiences with customer engagement through ski trips, the impact of COVID-19 on business operations, and the importance of community and staff in maintaining a successful family business. They also touch on pricing strategies and the significance of adapting to changes in the market.
In this episode, host Ann Donnelly meets Jason Tyler, the Eastern New York Market Lead for Stark Tech. As a new member of the Adirondack Chamber, Jason shares how Stark Tech is transforming from a traditional temperature control company into a powerhouse of holistic building solutions and energy management.
In this episode, Ann Donnelly speaks with Jacqueline O’Donnell, founder of Math Refresh. They discuss her journey in creating a math education company that makes math relevant and engaging for students. O’Donnell shares insights on the challenges faced during the pandemic, the benefits of online tutoring, and the importance of creating a safe learning environment. She emphasizes the need to empower girls in STEM and the role of parents in their children’s education. She also outlines her future plans for expanding Math Refresh and her innovative approaches to math education.
In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Sheila Greco, founder and CEO of SGA Talent. Sheila shares her journey from a bond trader to a successful recruitment entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking, research, and understanding competition in business.
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.
In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Nicole Rothe, a seasoned physical therapist and personal trainer. They discuss Nicole’s journey in the health and wellness industry, her holistic approach to training, and the importance of community building. Nicole shares her experiences working with diverse clients, her plans for a new studio, and her unique brand identity as ‘The Pink Mamba.’ The conversation emphasizes the significance of personalized training and nutrition plans and the value of collaboration among local businesses.
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.
In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews culinary power couple Jenny and Chris Dore, who have recently taken over the Peppermill Family Restaurant in South Glens Falls. They discuss their backgrounds, the legacy of the restaurant, their vision for the future, and the importance of community engagement. Chris shares his culinary journey and the thoughtful process behind transitioning ownership, while Jenny emphasizes the significance of maintaining the restaurant’s family-friendly atmosphere. The couple highlights their commitment to evolving the menu based on customer feedback and building trust with their staff and the community.
