S4 Bonus Episode: Clearing Business Blocks: The Ruby Red Road to Peak Leadership Performance

In this live-on-location episode from Moreau Commons, host Ann Donnelly speaks with Karen Carey, owner of Ruby Red Road. Drawing on 30 years in the customer service and beauty industries and 17 years of dedicated coaching experience, Karen breaks down how intuitive life and business coaching helps entrepreneurs, non-profits, and corporate teams break through frustration and operational chaos. Whether addressing team friction, leadership misalignment, or personal burnout, Karen shares how clearing blocks creates a direct path to sustainable success.

S4 Bonus Episode: Can You Afford Not to Have a Financial Advisor? Inside Wealth Planning with Equitable Financial

In this live-on-location episode from Moreau Commons, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Brandon Crist and Max Benedetto of Equitable Financial Advisors. Brandon shares insights from a decade of helping state employees, retirees, and local business owners navigate complex pensions, Social Security optimization, and tax-efficient distribution strategies. Max discusses his journey coming on board, passing his licensing exams, and elevating client management and customer service. Together, they break down why financial planning isn’t just for the wealthy, how fee transparency works, and why having a trusted local advisor in Queensbury and the North Country makes all the difference.

S1 E1: Walking Out of the Darkness with AFSP NENY Executive Director Missy Stolfi

Suicide prevention is everybody’s business. In this debut episode of the AFSP Northeastern New York podcast, guest host Ann Donnelly (North Country Media Network) speaks with Missy Stolfi, Executive Director of the AFSP Northeastern New York Chapter. Together, they discuss the transformative power of coming together as a community, what to expect at the upcoming Out of the Darkness Community Walks, and how grassroots action across our 15-county region is saving lives and bringing hope to thousands.

S4 E12: Unlocking Upstate NY: Small Business Resources, Upskilling & Economic Strategy with Carrie Woerner

In this episode of the Building Success Stories Podcast, Ann Donnelly sits down with Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner at ADKtechs headquarters to dissect the economic engines driving Upstate New York. They trace Carrie’s strategic career shifts, from the early days of e-commerce to shaping policy for a diverse, 135,000-person district spanning Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties.

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

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 E12: Jack & Cathy Hay, Owners, Alpine Sport Shop, Saratoga Springs, NY

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.

S3 E6: Jacqueline O’Donnell, Author, Founder, Math Educator

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.

S2 E11: Sheila Greco, CEO, SGA Talent

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.