If you love Western NY AND Entrepreneurship; this is the podcast for you. David Schaub interviews the top entrepreneurs in WNY about business. If you’re anything like me you want to learn from the top people in the industry. You want to learn their secrets, their failures, what really works and what doesn’t. In this podcast we get to the “nitty gritty” stuff Entrepreneurs want to know and learn. It’s great to learn from Entrepreneurs from across the world but what about the amazing people in our…
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Getting laid off is usually seen as the end of a chapter. For Brian Balthasar, it became the beginning of everything. After losing two corporate engineering jobs, Brian made the decision that changed the course of his career. Instead of looking for another employer, he took a risk, bought CNC machines, started a manufacturing company from scratch, and never looked back. This conversation isn't…
Most people think manufactured home communities are a niche corner of real estate. Jeff Cook built one of the largest portfolios in New York State by thinking differently. In this episode, Jeff shares how he went from buying a single manufactured home community to owning and operating more than 100 communities across New York. But this conversation isn't just about real estate. It's about…
Most people would never do it. Tom Akers took his retirement savings and bet it on an idea that had never been done before. No roadmap. No guarantees. And no experience running a manufacturing company. In this episode with Tom Akers, founder of Junk Free Skin, we talk about building a company from scratch, creating products no one had made before, and the persistence required to keep moving when…
When Patrick Hayter started his construction company, he was swinging the hammer himself. Doing the work. Running estimates. Managing projects. Handling sales. Everything. But eventually he realized something every growing business owner learns: You cannot scale if you are doing everything yourself. In this episode with Patrick Hayter, owner of Hayter Construction, we talk about what it takes to…
Most business owners think they have an SEO problem. Many actually have a visibility problem. Or a messaging problem. Or they are simply focusing on the wrong things. In this episode with Mariah Magazine, award winning SEO consultant, educator, and creator, we talk about the biggest SEO myths business owners believe and how customers are actually finding businesses online today. This was not a…
Most HR problems do not start big. They start small. A bad hire. Poor communication. Managers avoiding hard conversations. And eventually… It turns into turnover, conflict, or lawsuits. In this episode with Alyssa Klimuszka, founder of HerHR Solutions, we talked about the HR mistakes business owners make before they even realize there is a problem. This was a very real conversation about…
Most service businesses start the same way. More jobs. More trucks. More people. And then suddenly… More chaos. In this episode with Clyde Miller and Jacob, co owners of Level Up Painting, we talked about what most service businesses get wrong when they start growing. This was one of the most honest conversations we have had about scaling, culture, hiring, and profitability. In this episode you…
Most business owners think tax season is the problem. It is not. The real problem is going the entire year without a real strategy. In this episode with Heath Hendrickson, partner at Allied Financial Partners, we talk about why so many business owners overpay in taxes, feel overwhelmed financially, and never actually understand their numbers. This is not a boring tax conversation. It is a real…
Covid hit. She lost her job. Bills kept coming. And unemployment checks never showed up. So she did what a lot of people talk about… But never actually do. She started a business. In this episode with Tereasa Janese, owner of Diva Girlz Cleaning Service, we talk about building a business as a single mom during one of the hardest seasons of her life. No investors. No perfect timing. Just survival…
Starting a venue sounds simple. Find a space. Fix it up. Book events. But that is not how it actually works. In this episode with Elaine Hanford, owner of The Venue at The Trail, we break down what really goes into opening and running a wedding venue. From the idea… To the build out… To the reality once people start booking. In this episode you will learn: • What most people underestimate before…
In this episode with Pete Andrews from Eagle 1 Photography, we talk about what it really looks like to love your work. Not when it is easy… But when it is repetitive, frustrating, and requires discipline. In this episode you will learn: • Why passion shows up in the small things • The difference between doing it and caring about it • Why consistency exposes how much you actually love the work •…
Most business owners think they are building something real. But a lot of it is just… transactions. Short term. Fast moving. No depth. And eventually… it catches up. In this episode with Anthony Butera, owner of Keller Williams in both Rochester and Buffalo along with other vertical businesses, we talk about the moment everything shifted. From chasing deals… To building real relationships. In this…
You think you have a business. But would anyone actually buy it? Most owners never stop to ask that question until it is too late. And the answer is not what they expect. In this episode with Austin Moyer, we get real about what makes a business sellable and what quietly kills its value. In this episode you will learn: • Why most businesses are not actually sellable • The difference between owning…
This is Episode 4, the final episode in David Schaub’s four-part Family Series, where we’ve dug deep into what it really looks like to own a business as a husband and father. No guests. No interviews. Just real conversations about ambition, marriage, and legacy. This episode shifts the focus forward. Not to revenue… not to valuation… but to inheritance. Because generational wealth isn’t just…
This is Episode 3 of David Schaub’s four-part Family Series: a solo run that gets into the nitty gritty about what it actually looks like to build a business as a husband and father. No guests. No interviews. Just real conversations about ambition, alignment, and intentional leadership at home. Episode 3 asks a simple but uncomfortable question: You meet with your team every week… Do you meet with…
Welcome to Episode 2 of David Schaub’s Family Series: a four-part solo run that gets honest about what it really looks like to build a business as a husband and father. No guests. No surface-level talk. Just the real tension most owners feel… and rarely say out loud. This episode hits a truth that stings: You can be physically home… and still completely gone. Growth isn’t bad. But undefined growth…
For the first time ever, we’re kicking off a solo series with podcast host David Schaub. This is a four-part series called The Family Series. No guests, no surface-level talk. Just real, honest conversations about what it actually looks like to build a business as a husband and dad… and the pressure that comes with it. Episode 1 starts with a hard question: Is your business strengthening your…
Many founders hit a ceiling not because they lack vision but because they’re still the one executing everything. In this episode, Mark Siwiec (Elysian Homes) shares what he learned the hard way about stepping back from day-to-day tasks, building the right team, and clearly separating the role of visionary from that of executor. If you’re the bottleneck (and don’t realize it yet), this conversation…
Most owners don’t think about IT until something fails and by then, the damage is already done. In this episode, Chris Sirianni (IT Insights of Rochester / GRC Insights) explains why reactive technology decisions quietly drain profit, erode trust, and put your data (and revenue) at risk. He lays out a practical, owner-friendly approach to treating IT as business continuity, not just “tech…
AI isn’t here to replace your relationships, it’s here to buy back your time so you can deepen them. In this episode, Jeremias “JMan” Maneiro (JMan Seminars • The Maneiro Team • Big Brain Chatbots) breaks down how founders and small teams can use AI as leverage, not replacement without losing voice, values, or authenticity. JMan shares the simple frameworks he teaches in workshops and advisory…
What does it really feel like to move six hours away, know no one, and launch a service business from scratch? In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, Joanna O’Connell shares the unfiltered story of rebuilding her life and business reputation in a brand-new market one conversation, one customer, and one relationship at a time. Joanna unpacks how transparency and education became her…
Most entrepreneurs rush into January with fresh goals, but little reflection. In this solo episode, David Schaub (founder/host of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast; mastermind facilitator; publisher of Buffalo & Rochester Real Producers) walks through the simple year-end process he uses to realign life and business before he plans anything new. It’s the exact framework he leans on while juggling…
After 35 years across flips, rentals, and market resets, Cheryl LaTray has built a career on one core skill: knowing when to buy, when to hold, and when to walk away. In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, Cheryl breaks down entrepreneurship as Monopoly in real life—cash, assets, positioning, and the nerve to make the next move when the board changes. From the mindset shifts that reduce…
What happens when you inherit a well-known family business that’s losing trust, running on outdated systems, and fighting to stay relevant? In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, Patrick Donovan shares how he stepped into Aladdin’s Carpet Cleaning, made the tough calls, and rebuilt a reputation—one honest conversation and one loyal customer at a time. Patrick talks candidly about drawing…
What does it take to grow a creative business into a thriving legacy? In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Kathryn O’Donnell, the powerhouse behind Botanicus Interior Landscaping, a company that’s been quietly beautifying Buffalo’s commercial spaces for over 50 years. Kathryn shares how she transformed what began as a small plant shop with little structure into a…
After three decades in the tech industry, Emily Carlson found herself laid off and at a crossroads. Instead of jumping back into the corporate world, she leaned into the unknown and launched her own consulting business, PBA Consulting. Now, she helps entrepreneurs, startups, and leadership teams harness the power of artificial intelligence, streamline operations, and build healthier, more…
Imagine launching your business one week before the world shut down. That’s exactly what Robb Everhart did. As co-founder of Fairway Home Mortgage in Rochester, NY, Robb and his wife opened their doors just days before the COVID lockdowns began in 2020. But that’s just one chapter in a story shaped by two decades of leadership in the mortgage world—navigating market crashes, scaling teams,…
What happens when success on paper doesn’t feel like success in real life? In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Dan Greco, founder of Most Alive, to talk about the uncomfortable but powerful moment he walked away from a high-ranking corporate career to build something more meaningful. Dan shares how his personal turning point became the foundation for a business that…
What if you could build a thriving real estate business — without owning a single property? In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Christian Bauman, founder of Buffalo Corporate Housing, to hear how he went from broke college dropout at 21 to managing over 50 fully furnished rental units across Western New York. Christian breaks down the strategy behind his rapid growth…
Rob Picone’s entrepreneurial story isn’t one of overnight success—it’s one of grit, humility, and learning the hard way. After being audited twice and nearly losing everything, Rob turned things around to build a multimillion-dollar business with over 30 employees. Now, he’s sharing the lessons most business owners learn too late. In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, Rob opens up about…
What happens when a business opportunity keeps showing up—and you finally say yes? For Travis Matheny, that moment changed everything. In this episode, Travis shares the real story behind his journey from reluctant entrepreneur to confident business owner and leader. With honesty and clarity, he breaks down the mistakes he made, the turning points that helped him grow, and the systems and mindset…
In this episode, we talk with Vanessa Palumbo, franchise owner of Dream Vacations, about how she turned a background in caregiving and family management into a thriving, service-first business in one of the most competitive industries out there. Vanessa shares how she leveraged relationship-building, strategic networking, and repeatable systems—not big marketing budgets—to create consistent growth…
Hiring the right people can make or break your business. In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Lewis, Co-owner of StaffBuffalo, to go behind the scenes of smart hiring and uncover what business owners need to know about building teams that truly help them grow. Lauren brings her expertise from years of working with companies across Western New York, helping them find top talent and avoid costly…
Entrepreneurs are wired to hustle, but what if the real growth strategy is slowing down? In this episode, Nicole Chumsky, founder of Be Embodied, LLC and The Mindfulness Alliance, shares how mindfulness practices can shift the way business owners lead, make decisions, and handle stress. Drawing from her work in embodiment and mindfulness-based coaching, Nicole explains why awareness is not a…
Planning ahead is not just about family care — it is also a principle that can transform how you run your business. In this episode, I talk with Ann Marie Klosko, owner of Eldercare Transition Consulting, about the powerful lessons entrepreneurs can learn from helping families navigate eldercare transitions. Ann Marie shares real world stories of what happens when families plan ahead — and when…
What does it really take to launch a professional sports team—and why would someone do it without a blueprint? In this episode, we sit down with Kayla Crosby, the powerhouse founder behind the Jamestown Jackals, a professional basketball team with a mission rooted in character, community, and impact. Kayla shares how she turned a bold idea into a real franchise, why integrity and faith guided…
How do you take a homemade cracker recipe and turn it into an internationally recognized brand—and win one of the biggest startup competitions in the world while you’re at it? In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Brady, Founder of Top Seedz, to unpack how she went from baking in her kitchen to winning 43North’s $1 million grant, landing major retail deals, and building a fast-growing food…
What if one of the most valuable tools for growing your business was totally free—and you weren’t using it? In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Rumbold, founder of Rumbold Consulting and certified business mentor with SCORE Buffalo Niagara, to uncover the mentorship program too many entrepreneurs overlook. Rachel shares how SCORE’s no-cost support is helping startups and small businesses…
Most business owners want to take care of their team—but end up offering health benefits that are overpriced, underused, or just plain confusing. In this episode, we sit down with Brian, founder of Business Health Market, to talk about the costly health benefit mistakes small businesses are making and how to fix them without blowing up your budget. Whether you’re a solopreneur thinking about your…
What does it take to grow a home organizing business from a one-woman side hustle to the largest operation of its kind in Western New York? In this episode, Tonya Cunningham, founder of Next Chapter Solutions, shares the real behind-the-scenes journey of building a 17-person team—without a business degree, startup capital, or traditional management experience. Entrepreneurs will hear how Tonya:…
In this solo episode, I get real about the hard but necessary changes I’ve made over the past six months as a business owner, husband, and dad. From cutting my workweek down to three days, turning down “good” opportunities, to focusing only on profit-building activities and deep relationships—this episode is a reflection on what truly matters. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your own calendar,…
Kelly Phillips, owner of The Lodge Auction House, shares how she turned a lifelong passion into a 22-year business rooted in transparency and trust. From navigating estate liquidations to managing a team through personal loss, Kelly breaks down what it takes to scale a service business while staying true to your values. Her story is a mix of grit, growth, and great business lessons. What You’ll…
In this solo episode, David Schaub, founder of WNY Entrepreneur, pulls back the curtain on something few business owners talk about—the unexpected downsides of growth. We all want to scale, but is it actually bringing you more peace, profit, or freedom? David shares honest insights from years of mentoring entrepreneurs, leading mastermind groups, and living the business owner life himself. You’ll…
In this episode of The Western New York Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Deacon Tasker—one of Buffalo’s top real estate agents and co-owner of Rosie’s Ice Cream, a beloved local scoop shop with two growing locations. Deacon shares how he successfully manages two very different businesses, all while raising five kids and staying deeply rooted in the Buffalo community. You’ll learn: How Deacon…
In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Valerio, owner of Four Winds Chimney, to talk about how he scaled his contracting business from a one-man operation to over 50 employees in just seven years—right here in Western New York. Anthony shares how a personal injury sparked his entrepreneurial journey, how he hires and retains top talent in a tough labor market, and why focusing on people over…
Meet Sal Alaimo , a powerhouse in the plumbing and heating industry with over 30 years of experience and a decade as a successful business owner. Born and raised in North Buffalo to immigrant parents, Sal’s entrepreneurial journey is a story of resilience, adaptability, and strategic growth. After becoming a father at 22, Sal left college and jumped into the trades, starting as a carpenter’s…
Meet Tony Galbo, a Lancaster, NY native now thriving in Clarence with his wife and three boys. Tony is a natural-born entrepreneur whose passion for growth and tangible success has propelled him to impressive heights as a business owner, husband, and father. As President of Galbo Group , Tony’s journey began as a specialty contractor in masonry—but he didn’t stop there. With his construction…
Meet Jennifer Whitmarsh , a trailblazing entrepreneur with over 18 years of industry experience and the visionary behind Snappy Dry Cleaning . Jennifer’s path from working the front counter as a teenager to owning her own full-service cleaner is a masterclass in determination, leadership, and strategic growth. Jennifer didn’t just open a dry cleaner—she built a brand rooted in exceptional customer…
Bill Testa, President & CEO of DirectMail 20|20 and creator of Frintz™ , has spent over 40 years transforming the printing and marketing industry. He turned a bold idea into a patented business model that delivers free printed photos while offering advertisers a 100% open rate marketing opportunity . Beyond business, Bill is passionate about community impact , serving as Rotary Club President and…
What does it take to turn a creative passion into a thriving business that truly serves your community? In this episode, we sit down with Eric Adams, founder of Picture Your Walls , to talk about how he built a unique business blending art, framing, and customer service—right here in Western New York. Eric shares the lessons he’s learned after 15 years in business, including: Why relationships…
