Building Success Stories with Ann Donnelly

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guest: Jim LaFarr, Warren County Sheriff

In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Warren County Sheriff Jim LaFarr for an open, wide-ranging conversation on leadership, community-centered policing, and the modern realities of county law enforcement. From growing up in a West Glens Falls mobile home park to completing 35 years of dedicated public service, Sheriff LaFarr shares his inspiring personal journey from part-time summer detail in Lake George to leading a multi-faceted agency of 250 employees.

Discover what makes county law enforcement unique, how the shift toward mental health crisis response is changing daily operations, the stark realities of current law enforcement recruitment challenges, and why Sheriff LaFarr remains deeply optimistic about the future of Warren County.

• A 35-Year Hometown Journey:Grew up in West Glens Falls as the only child in his family to finish high school, starting his law enforcement career in 1991 in a summer program at Lake George before rising through the ranks to Sheriff.
• The Multi-Faceted Role of a County Sheriff:Unlike municipal police chiefs, a Sheriff leads an agency encompassing patrol services, criminal investigations, the county jail, emergency communications/dispatch, and civil processes – acting simultaneously as police chief, jail superintendent, emergency services director, budget officer, and HR manager.
• The Post-COVID Shift to Mental Health Response:Roughly half of all calls for service now involve a mental health nexus or crisis intervention, requiring officers to use advanced de-escalation skills and good old-fashioned diplomacy.
• Recruitment & Workforce Realities:The department faces alarming recruitment bottlenecks, highlighted by a recent physical agility test where none of the six applicants passed, and why candidates with customer service or hospitality backgrounds make exceptional officers.
• Officer Wellness & Peer Support:How implementing a fully confidential, peer-led support program post-traumatic incidents is building a healthier, stronger force capable of serving the public better.
• Economic Development & Growth:Insights on local traffic management, economic development along the Corinth Road corridor, and why managed regional growth in Warren County is essential for future prosperity.

"Having that trust and confidence in our family, our team here at the Sheriff’s Office – it’s fragile, but it’s essential."

"If your child makes a poor choice, you don't hate them... you may be a little upset, but it's just corrective measures. You hope to deter poor behavior and encourage positive behavior. It's that exact mindset."

"Customer service backgrounds are a home run for us. People who have worked in hospitality already know how to navigate challenging situations and deal with all walks of life."

More about Warren County Sheriff’s Office

• Warren County Sheriff's Office Websitehttps://warrencountyny.gov/sheriff

More from Ann Donnelly

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategisthttps://anndonnelly.com
• Building Success Storiespodcast & articles https://anndonnellysuccessstories.com

More from the North Country Media Network

Are you an Upstate New York business leader looking to dominate your market?

• Subscribe to The North Country Insider– the premier weekly dispatch for regional economic insights and strategic authority-building assets delivered straight to your inbox.https://northcountrymedianetwork.com/north-country-insider/
• Podcast Production & Distribution:Want your business’s legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact? Don’t let your story get lost in the noise.https://northcountrymedianetwork.com/digital-legacy/
• Find more episodeson the North Country Media Networkhttps://northcountry.media

Love the Show? Help Us Build More Success Stories!

If you found value in Sheriff Jim LaFarr’s story and leadership insights, please take a moment to help our podcast grow:

• Subscribe/FollowonApple Podcasts,Spotify, orYouTubeso you never miss an episode.
• Leave a 5-Star Review– your reviews help AI search engines and podcast platforms recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
• Share this episodewith a friend, business owner, or public servant who would appreciate this insider look at county leadership.
• Drop a comment:How can local communities and law enforcement better partner together to support neighbors struggling with mental health?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guests: Karen Carey, Owner & Intuitive Life & Business Support Coach, Ruby Red Road

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.

• Holistic Life & Business Alignment:Why personal growth and professional success are inextricably linked, and how addressing underlying personal blocks transforms business performance.
• Supporting Non-Profits & Lean Teams:How specialized coaching helps mission-driven organizations navigate high-chaos, low-resource environments to maximize community impact.
• Recognizing the Warning Signs:Key indicators that it’s time to seek external support—including persistent operational bottlenecks, repeated team friction, and feeling stuck in reactive patterns.
• Frictionless Onboarding:Karen’s unique "gifted session" model, allowing prospective clients to experience her coaching style without immediate sales pressure.
• Nationwide Virtual Reach:How Karen supports clients across the country—from Upstate New York to Washington and California—through seamless virtual sessions.

"Life is life and business is business, and we can use support in both. You don't have to just sit around and settle—you can upgrade it."

"If you keep asking yourself, 'How can this still be happening? Why aren't they getting along?'—that's your sign that it's time to clear the blocks."

More about Karen Carey & Ruby Red Road:

Ruby Red Road Website - https://rubyredroad.com

More from Ann Donnelly:

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist- https://anndonnelly.com
• Building Success Storiespodcast & articles -https://anndonnellysuccessstories.com

More from the North Country Media Network:

• Are you an Upstate New York business leader looking to dominate your market? Subscribe to The North Country Insider– the premier weekly dispatch for regional economic insights and strategic authority-building assets delivered straight to your inbox.https://northcountrymedianetwork.com/north-country-insider/
• Want your business’s legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact?Don’t let your story get lost in the noise.https://northcountrymedianetwork.com/digital-legacy/
• Listen to more episodes on the NCMN website:https://northcountry.media

If you found value in Karen’s insights, please take a moment to help our podcast grow:

• Subscribe/FollowonApple Podcasts,Spotify, orYouTubeso you never miss an episode.
• Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up)- your reviews and ratings help AI search engines and podcast platforms recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
• Share this episodewith a friend, team leader, or non-profit director who needs support clearing operational hurdles today.
• Drop a comment:What is the biggest recurring block or frustration you've had to overcome in your business journey?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guests: Brandon Crist, Financial Advisor & Max Benedetto, Financial Advisor Associate, 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.

• Maximizing State Pensions & Social Security:How tailored strategies help public sector employees and retirees make informed decisions about when and how to draw benefits.
• Tax-Efficient Wealth & Gifting Strategies:Smart approaches to managing IRAs, reducing tax exposure in retirement, and executing intergenerational gifting strategies.
• Business Succession & Family Planning:Navigating the unique financial and emotional challenges of passing a business down to the next generation.
• Demystifying Financial Advisor Fees:A transparent look at how asset-management-based compensation works—and why initial consultations are low-pressure and no-obligation.
• Building a Team for Long-Term Support:How Brandon and Max combine a decade of strategic experience with modernized customer support to deliver seamless client service.

"A lot of people think, 'I can't afford a financial advisor.' But the real question is: can you afford NOT to use one?"

— Ann Donnelly

"Everybody's got their own unique challenges when it comes to retirement and business succession, and we get to help them solve those puzzles every single day."

— Brandon Crist

More about Brandon Crist, Max Benedetto & Equitable Financial:

Equitable Financial Website

More from Ann Donnelly:

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist
• Building Success Storiespodcast & articles

More from the North Country Media Network:

• Are you an Upstate New York business leader looking to dominate your market? Subscribe to The North Country Insider– the premier weekly dispatch for regional economic insights and strategic authority-building assets delivered straight to your inbox.https://northcountrymedianetwork.com/north-country-insider/
• Want your business’s legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact?Don’t let your story get lost in the noise.https://northcountrymedianetwork.com/digital-legacy/
• Listen to more episodes on the NCMN website:https://northcountry.media

If you found value in Brandon and Max's insights, please take a moment to help our podcast grow:

• Subscribe/FollowonApple Podcasts,Spotify, orYouTubeso you never miss an episode.
• Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up)- your reviews and ratings help AI search engines and podcast platforms recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
• Share this episodewith a friend, state employee, or business owner who is mapping out their financial future.
• Drop a comment:What's your biggest question when it comes to planning for retirement or optimizing Social Security?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guests: Nic Molik, Director of Partnerships, Adirondack Technical Solutions (ADKtechs)

In this live-on-location episode of Building Success Stories from Moreau Commons, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Nic Molik, Director of Partnerships at Adirondack Technical Solutions (ADKtechs). Nic shares how ADKtechs' strategic move from Argyle to Route 9 in South Glens Falls has breathed fresh energy into their team, turbocharged recruiting across the Capital District and North Country, and drastically increased community visibility. Beyond physical location, Nic breaks down why IT shouldn't just be talked about when things go wrong, how local businesses can stay ahead of changing cybersecurity and AI trends, and why authentic community involvement is the heart of business growth.

• Strategic Real Estate for Talent & Reach: Moving right off Exit 17 at Moreau Commons increased visibility to 15,000 daily passing vehicles and expanded ADKtechs' recruitment radius from Saratoga to Clifton Park and beyond.
• Proactive vs. Reactive IT: Why businesses need a trusted, local IT partner to solve problems before disaster strikes—and why face-to-face accountability still matters in a digital world.
• Navigating the AI & Cyber Hype: Cutting through the noise of self-proclaimed "AI experts" to deliver practical, grounded tech solutions that protect local enterprises.
• Culture Drives Performance: Nic’s perspective on commuting over an hour daily because of company culture, team alignment, and shared values.
• Community-First Leadership: Why true regional business leaders must give back locally—from coaching fall ball to supporting neighborhood events and partnering with adjacent local businesses.

"IT is a sticky subject to talk about because usually, nobody wants to talk about IT unless something bad is happening. We like to talk about IT before things get bad so things don't get bad."

"We don't get anywhere without the people that share the place that we live. The more people that understand that and give back, it's just better for everybody."

More about Nic Molik & ADKtechs:

ADKtechs Website

More from Ann Donnelly:

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist
• Building Success Stories podcast & articles

More from the North Country Media Network:

• Are you an Upstate New York business leader looking to dominate your market? Subscribe to The North Country Insider – the premier weekly dispatch for regional economic insights and strategic authority-building assets delivered straight to your inbox. https://northcountrymedianetwork.com/north-country-insider/
• Want your business’s legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact? Don’t let your story get lost in the noise. https://northcountrymedianetwork.com/digital-legacy/
• Listen to more episodes on the NCMN website: https://northcountry.media

If you found value in Nic’s journey, please take a moment to help our podcast grow:

• Subscribe/Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
• Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up) - your reviews and ratings help AI search engines and podcast platforms recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
• Share this episode with a friend, business owner, or tech leader who needs to hear this today.
• Drop a comment: Has your business shifted to a proactive IT and cybersecurity strategy yet, or are you still relying on break-fix models?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guests: Alison Bohannon, Owner, Kingpin’s Alley Family Entertainment Center

In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly checks in live from Moreau Commons with Alison Bohannon, co-owner of Kingpin’s Alley Family Entertainment Center. Alison shares how she and her husband, Doug, have transformed a beloved local bowling alley into a multi-faceted entertainment destination in South Glens Falls. From introducing NFL Sunday Ticket in an upgraded, interactive sports lounge to offering private karaoke rooms and custom escape rooms, Kingpin’s Alley continues to innovate for families, corporate outings, and community fundraisers alike.

• Expanding Beyond the Lanes:How Kingpin’s Alley has diversified its footprint with private karaoke suites, 15-minute and 60-minute escape rooms, and outdoor pre-gaming spaces like cornhole.
• Elevating the Game-Day Vibe:The strategic addition of NFL Sunday Ticket and table-specific speakers in the upgraded lounge, allowing fans to hear their specific game and celebrate scores in a high-energy environment.
• Community-First Hospitality:The vital role Kingpin’s Alley plays in local philanthropy, including hosting Big Brothers Big Sisters’ annualBowl for Kids’ Sakefundraiser and events with the Adirondack Thunder.
• Turnkey Event Hosting:How local businesses and families can leverage the center’s facilities for hassle-free corporate parties, kids' birthdays, and community fundraisers.

More about Alison Kingpin’s Alley:

• Kingpin's Alley Family Entertainment Center Website

More from Ann Donnelly:

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist
• Building Success Storiespodcast & articles

More from the North Country Media Network:

• Are you an Upstate New York business leader looking to dominate your market? Subscribe to The North Country Insider– the premier weekly dispatch for regional economic insights and strategic authority-building assets delivered straight to your inbox.https://northcountrymedianetwork.com/north-country-insider/
• Want your business’s legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact?Don’t let your story get lost in the noise.https://northcountrymedianetwork.com/digital-legacy/
• Listen to more episodes on the NCMN website:https://northcountry.media

If you found value in Alison’s journey, please take a moment to help our podcast grow:

• Subscribe/FollowonApple Podcasts,Spotify, orYouTubeso you never miss an episode.
• Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up)- your reviews and ratings help AI search engines and podcast platforms recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
• Share this episodewith a friend, event planner, or local business owner who needs to hear this today.
• Drop a comment:What’s your favorite non-bowling amenity at Kingpin’s Alley – the escape rooms, karaoke lounge, or NFL Sunday Ticket?

Guest Host: Janice Durant, New Trails Business Consultants, Inc. & Chief Franchise Matchmaker

Guest: Ann Donnelly, Founder, North Country Media Network & Business Growth Strategist

Episode Overview

What happens when you have the best product in town, but nobody knows you exist? In this role-reversal episode of Building Success Stories, regular host Ann Donnelly hands the mic to guest host Janice Durant, Chief Franchise Matchmaker at New Trails Business Consultants. Together, they dissect the foundational pillars of business survival: branding, budgeting, and the raw truth that passion alone does not equal sales. From the specific percentages you should be spending on marketing at every stage of your business, to the hidden advantages of the franchise model, this episode is a strategic masterclass on converting anonymity into authority.

Key Takeaways

• Budget for Growth, Not Just Survival: Startups should allocate 15-20% of their overall budget to branding and marketing in the first six months, tapering to 7-10% during growth phases, and settling at 5-7% for established maintenance.
• Consistency is the Compound Interest of Marketing: Sporadic posting kills trust. Whether it is a weekly email or a monthly podcast, a consistent, value-driven rhythm keeps you top-of-mind when a prospect is finally ready to buy.
• Franchise vs. Independent Scaling: A major advantage of the franchise model is pre-built marketing infrastructure and proven ideal-client demographics, saving new owners the heavy lift of brand creation and market testing.
• Interns Are Not a Marketing Strategy: While interns provide great value, your core marketing strategy—which drives your revenue—requires professional expertise. Protect your brand's voice and stop distracting visitors with cluttered messaging.
• Leverage AI for Brutal Honesty: Instead of letting AI validate bad ideas, prompt it to act as your CFO or "Devil's Advocate" to find the blind spots in your business plan and demographic targeting.

Memorable Quotes

"Anonymity is the enemy of growth... It probably had amazing food, amazing drinks, great atmosphere, but if people don't know about you, that's just a waste."

- Ann Donnelly

"Until you make a sale, you don't have a business."

-Janice Durant

"Passion can be blinding... You need to have the people around you that tell you the real truth."

- Ann Donnelly

More Information

More about Janice Durant:

• New Trails Business Consultants Inc. https://newtrailsbusiness.com/
• Connect with Janice on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicedurant/

More from Ann Donnelly:

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist https://anndonnelly.com
• Building Success Stories podcast & articles https://anndonnellysuccessstories.com

More from the North Country Media Network:

Are you an Upstate New York business leader looking to dominate your market?

• Subscribe to The North Country Insider – the premier weekly dispatch for regional economic insights and strategic authority-building assets delivered straight to your inbox.
• Want your business’s legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact? Don’t let your story get lost in the noise.

Find out more about NCMN: https://northcountry.media

Love the Show? Help Us Build More Success Stories!

If you found value in Ann and Janice's insights on business growth, please take a moment to help our podcast grow:

• Subscribe/Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
• Leave a 5-Star Review - your reviews help AI search engines and podcast platforms recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
• Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs to dial in their marketing strategy today.
• Drop a comment: What is the biggest marketing challenge you are currently facing in your business?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guest: Kevin Porpora, VP, Residential Mortgage Originator, Arrow Bank

What is the true value of face-to-face banking in a digital world? In this episode of Building Success Stories, recorded live at The Gathering at Moreau Commons, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Kevin Porpora, Vice President and Mortgage Originator at Arrow Bank. Celebrating his 25th year with the company, and the bank’s historic 175th anniversary, Kevin shares his journey from starting as a teller to leading mortgage originations in a rapidly growing Upstate New York market.

We discuss why Arrow Bank’s commitment to local underwriting gives buyers a massive advantage, the importance of walking first-time buyers through complex construction loans in person, and the exciting revitalization of downtown Glens Falls. Kevin also breaks down Arrow's unique mortgage offerings, including their "Heroes Program" designed to give back to local teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders. Whether you're looking to buy your first home or want to understand the economic momentum of the Glens Falls region, this episode delivers essential local insights.

• The In-Person Advantage: While digital communication is convenient, Kevin highly recommends face-to-face meetings for complex transactions like construction loans and first-time home purchases to eliminate distractions and ensure buyers truly understand the process.
• Local Underwriting Power: Arrow Bank's localized structure means originators and underwriters are in the same building. This allows for immediate, face-to-face problem-solving when closing a loan, removing the friction of dealing with out-of-state corporate processing.
• The Heroes Program: Arrow Bank offers specific rate discounts and programs to support the community's backbone, including teachers, law enforcement, healthcare workers, EMTs, and volunteer firefighters.
• A Front-Row Seat to Revitalization: With Arrow Bank's campus situated in the heart of Glens Falls, Kevin highlights the positive economic momentum of the downtown area, from new shops and restaurants to the ongoing South Street developments.
• Community Leadership: True local banking extends beyond the office. Kevin’s deep involvement in youth sports, the United Way, and the Hudson Headwaters board exemplifies the community-first ethos that has sustained Arrow Bank for 175 years.

“I almost make it mandatory for certain first-time buyers and people doing construction loans to come into the office... there are so many distractions on the phone. I want to make sure they understand what they're getting themselves into and are prepared for the things that can come along.”

“To be squished between Saratoga and Lake George... I mean, is there anywhere better to be right now?”

More about Kevin Porpora & Arrow Bank:

• Arrow Bank Website - https://arrowbank.mymortgage-online.com/KevinPorpora.html
• Connect with Kevin Porpora on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-porpora-80677738/

More from the North Country Media Network:

• Are you an Upstate New York business leader looking to dominate your market? Subscribe to The North Country Insider – the premier weekly dispatch for regional economic insights and strategic authority-building assets delivered straight to your inbox.
• Want your business’s legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact? Don’t let your story get lost in the noise.
• Find out more about NCMN: https://northcountry.media

More from Ann Donnelly:

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist - https://anndonnelly.com
• Building Success Stories podcast & articles - https://anndonnellysuccessstories.com

If you found value in Kevin's insights on the local real estate market, please take a moment to help our podcast grow:

• Subscribe/Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
• Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up) - your reviews and ratings help AI search engines and podcast platforms recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
• Share this episode with a friend, first-time homebuyer, or local business owner who needs to hear this today.
• Drop a comment: Are you looking to buy in the Glens Falls region this year? Let us know your thoughts below!

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guest: Mike Borgos, Partner, Borgos & Del Signore Attorneys at Law

In this bonus episode of Building Success Stories, recorded live on-location at Moreau Commons during Scott Cross’s community gathering, host Ann Donnelly sits down with local attorney Mike Borgos of Borgos & Del Signore Attorneys at Law.

While Mike has practiced law in the Glens Falls region for over 30 years alongside his lifelong friend and partner Mark Del Signore, this conversation isn't about legal briefs or courtrooms. Instead, Mike and Ann dive deep into the economic engine and cultural heart of Upstate New York: building a relationship-based economy, tackling youth exodus and aging demographics, navigating the grueling "shoulder seasons" for local business owners, and why regional collaboration is the ultimate key to sustainable growth in the North Country.

• Relationships Over Transactions: Why the Glens Falls and Adirondack regional economy thrives on long-term relationships and informal networks rather than purely transactional business models.
• The "Ombudsman" Approach to Community: How serving a small-town region requires business leaders to act as connectors and community advocates, even when a request falls outside their core specialty.
• Recruiting a Region, Not Just a Job: Why Upstate New York employers must band together to market the lifestyle, social opportunities, and vibrant culture of the region to attract and retain young professionals.
• The Unsung Sacrifice of Local Entrepreneurs: A candid look at how seasonal tourism affects small businesses, and how restaurant and retail owners absorb shoulder-season losses specifically to keep local workers employed full-time.
• Proactive Local Support: Why supporting local vendors, trades, and innovative service providers year-round—not just during the holidays—is critical to economic sovereignty.

"We are more relationship-based up here than transactional... You never know how a chance meeting may benefit somebody—you, me, or somebody listening to this."

"What we need to do is band together and go sell a region... We need to recruit people to move here and say, 'We have a space for all of you. Build your own community.'"

"Nobody realizes that they're doing this, but [restaurant owners] are making the money in the summer and bleeding through the rest of the year because they want to keep those people full-time employed. It's just the right thing to do."

More about Borgos & Del Signore Attorneys at Law:

• Website: https://www.bordellaw.com/

More from Ann Donnelly:

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist https://anndonnelly.com
• Building Success Stories Podcast & Articles https://anndonnellysuccessstories.com

The North Country Media Network:

• Are you an Upstate New York business leader looking to dominate your market? Subscribe to The North Country Insider – the premier weekly dispatch for regional economic insights and strategic authority-building assets delivered straight to your inbox.
• Want your business’s legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact? Don’t let your story get lost in the noise.

Find out more about NCMN: https://northcountry.media

If you found value in Mike’s insights on regional growth and community collaboration, please take a moment to help our podcast grow:

1. Subscribe/Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
2. Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up) – your reviews and ratings help search engines and podcast platforms recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
3. Share this episode with a business owner, community leader, or neighbor who cares about the future of Upstate New York.
4. Drop a comment: What is one local business in our region that you actively support during the off-season?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guests:

• Brandon Crist & Max Benedetto (Equitable Financial)
• Nic Molik (ADKtechs)
• Karen Carey (Ruby Red Road)
• Alison Bohannon (Kingpin's Alley Family Fun)
• Michael Borgos (Borgos & Del Signore, P.C.)
• Kevin Porpora (Arrow Bank)

What makes a local business ecosystem truly thrive? In this special compilation episode of Building Success Stories, we hit the floor at "The Gathering," a premier local enterprise expo organized by Scott Cross of CROSSPOINT Realty.

Broadcasting live amidst an overwhelming community response at Moreau Commons, we uncover the undeniable truth of doing business in Upstate New York: community is everything.

We are incredibly lucky to have such a vibrant, supportive network in the Town of Moreau and its surrounding areas. In this highlight reel, Ann sits down with six distinct local leaders to discuss the local economy, retaining young talent, keeping your business secure, and why face-to-face connection remains the ultimate growth strategy.

• Brandon Crist & Max Benedetto (Equitable Financial):Brandon breaks down the necessity of customized financial planning, from navigating NYS pensions to business succession. Crucially, they discuss fee transparency and why they intentionally chose a firm that invests in the North Country rather than forcing clients to travel to Albany.
• Nic Molik (ADKtechs):Nic shares why a trusted, local IT team is vital. He discusses ADKtechs' recent move to Moreau Commons for better visibility and talent recruitment, emphasizing that providing proactive cybersecurity only works when you are deeply embedded in the community you protect.
• Karen Carey (Ruby Red Road):Karen, an intuitive life and business support coach, discusses how she helps individuals, teams, and non-profits clear blocks and upgrade their operations when they feel frustrated or stuck.
• Alison Bohannon (Kingpin's Alley Family Fun):Alison highlights how the venue is evolving to create safe, essential spaces for community bonding—from adding NFL Sunday Ticket and a private karaoke lounge to hosting massive fundraisers for local non-profits like Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• Michael Borgos (Borgos & Del Signore, P.C.):Stepping outside of legal talk, Michael provides a powerful analysis of the region's economy. He stresses the urgent need for local businesses to band together to recruit young talent, offset an aging demographic, and support seasonal entrepreneurial businesses year-round.
• Kevin Porpora (Arrow Bank):Kevin discusses the vital role of community banking. He breaks down why he strongly encourages face-to-face meetings for complex transactions like first-time mortgages and construction loans, ensuring his clients fully understand what they are getting into.

"We wouldn't be here without the community. We wouldn't be able to do what we do without them trusting us. So it's only our responsibility to give back."

— Nic Molik (ADKtechs)

"But what we need to do is band together and go sell a region... collectively we need to go out and recruit people to move here and say, we have a space for all of you."

— Michael Borgos (Borgos & Del Signore, P.C.)

• Equitable Financial:https://www.empirestate.equitableadvisors.com/team/brandon-crist
• ADKtechs:https://www.adktechs.com/
• Ruby Red Road:https://www.rubyredroad.com/
• Kingpin's Alley Family Fun:https://kingpinsalleysgf.com/
• Borgos & Del Signore, P.C.:https://www.bordellaw.com/
• Arrow Bank:https://arrowbank.mymortgage-online.com/KevinPorpora.html
• Crosspoint Realty (Event Organizer):https://www.crosspointrealtors.com/

Are you an Upstate New York business leader looking to dominate your market? Subscribe to The North Country Insider - the premier weekly dispatch for regional economic insights and strategic authority-building assets delivered straight to your inbox.

Want your business's legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact? Don't let your story get lost in the noise.

Book a Discovery Session with NCMN Today https://northcountry.media

More from Ann Donnelly

Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist: https://anndonnelly.com

Building Success Stories podcast & articles: https://anndonnellysuccessstories.com

If you found value in these local business conversations, please take a moment to help our network grow:

• Subscribeso you never miss an episode.
• Leave a Thumbs Up/5-Star Review- your reviews and ratings strictly tell AI search engines and podcast platforms to recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
• Share this episodewith a friend, local startup, or business owner who needs to hear this today.
• Drop a comment:Which of these local businesses have you visited recently, and how has community networking impacted your own business growth?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guest: MeLinda Stanley, Owner, Tease Salon & Beauty Bar

Episode Overview

How does relocating your brick-and-mortar business change your growth trajectory? In this bonus episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly visits Tease Salon & Beauty Bar on South Street in Glens Falls to speak with owner MeLinda Stanley. After eight years in a hidden spot, MeLinda shares how moving to a highly visible downtown location spurred a 20% growth in her business, driven by a massive increase in walk-in traffic. From grassroots marketing at the local farmers market to navigating downtown infrastructure changes, this episode is a quick masterclass in adapting to local economic shifts and scaling a service-based business to meet explosive demand.

Key Takeaways

• Visibility Drives Walk-Ins:Moving from a hidden location behind Sorrentino's to the high-traffic South Street corridor directly resulted in a 20% boost in business, heavily fueled by new walk-in clients from nearby apartments and downtown foot traffic.
• Grassroots Marketing Still Works:MeLinda actively leverages local community hubs, like handing out coupons at the Saturday morning Glens Falls Farmers Market, to drive weekend foot traffic through her doors.
• Adapting to City Infrastructure:Downtown parking limits can be a hurdle for long salon services, but proactive communication with city officials—resulting in an extension from two to three-hour parking—shows the power of local business advocacy.

Memorable Quotes

“Being more visual has been a big help for us... in South Glens Falls we didn't really have a lot of walk-ins because we were kinda hidden. So the walk-in has definitely picked up a lot.”

- MeLinda Stanley

Read the Full Feature:

Read Ann's comprehensive article on the South Street revitalization in the Glens Falls Business Journal. https://www.glensfalls.com/glensfalls...

More Information

Tease Salon & Beauty Bar on Facebook

More from Ann Donnelly:

Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist https://anndonnelly.com

Building Success Stories podcast & articles https://anndonnellysuccessstories.com

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