Building Success Stories with Ann Donnelly

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.
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• 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

More from the North Country Media Network:

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

If you found value in our conversation with MeLinda, 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 recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
• Share this episodewith a friend, stylist, or business owner who needs to hear this today.
• Drop a comment:How has changing your physical location or visibility impacted your business growth?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guest: New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner

What happens when a tech writer leaves a Fortune 500 Corporate Giant to pivot into non-profit leadership and eventually becomes a pivotal voice in the New York State Assembly?

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.

Whether you are a solopreneur seeking free startup resources, a local manufacturer navigating the AI revolution, or an entrepreneur pivoting in a shifting economy, this episode delivers high-leverage insights on housing, workforce upskilling, and the untapped capital available to local businesses.

• The Corporate Blueprint:Starting a career in a massive corporate environment establishes fundamental operational processes that translate seamlessly into leading non-profits and navigating public office.
• The "Starter Home" Bottleneck:A primary roadblock to Upstate NY's economic growth is the lack of affordable, single-family starter homes. This shortage keeps younger demographics in apartments, subsequently driving up rental costs for the entire region.
• State-Funded Upskilling:New York State now covers tuition, fees, and books for adults aged 25-55 returning to community colleges, removing the financial barrier for mid-career workers seeking higher-wage opportunities.
• Harnessing Free Enterprise Support:Startups and scaling solopreneurs must leverage free, high-tier coaching through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SUNY Albany, SCORE executives, and the Cornell Center of Excellence for Agriculture and Food.
• Embracing AI as an Evolution:AI will inevitably displace certain tasks, but it simultaneously creates new roles in implementation and maintenance. Businesses must actively invest in upskilling their workforce to maximize AI without causing operational disruption.
• The Sustainable Textile Boom:Strategic initiatives like the NY Textile Act are transforming local agriculture, driving demand for locally produced wool, and even turning regional scrub trees into Tencel (wood fiber fabric) to meet the market's demand for sustainable fashion.

"Out of every period of adversity, there is opportunity that pulls us out... not to ignore the adversity, but to recognize that the path out has to be through opportunity."

"You can't be what you can't see." (On the critical need for female role models in the building trades)

More about Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner:

• https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Carrie-Woerner
• https://carrieforassembly.com/

More from Ann Donnelly:

Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist

Building Success Stories podcast & articles

More from the North Country Media Network:

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

If you found value in Carrie’s insights today, 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 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 below:Which free Upstate NY business resource from today's episode are you going to tap into first?

This show was recorded at Adirondack Technology Solutions (ADKTechs) at Moreau Commons. Find out more about ADKTechs at https://www.adktechs.com/.

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guest: Ali Gazetos Mineo, Owner, Floro's Mercantile

What happens when an 86-year-old local restaurant legacy gives birth to a modern downtown boutique?

In this bonus episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Ali Gazetos Mineo, the owner of Floro's Mercantile—the newest addition to the rapidly revitalizing South Street in Glens Falls, NY.

Coming from the family behind the iconic New Way Lunch, Ali shares how she transformed her great-grandfather’s original 86-year restaurant footprint into a curated clothing and accessory boutique. Whether you're curious about downtown commercial revitalization, the logistics of retail seasonality, or how to build a complementary business network in a growing city, this episode offers a firsthand look at Upstate New York's retail evolution.

• Honor the Legacy, Pivot the Product:Ali successfully leveraged her family's entrepreneurial DNA and their historic real estate footprint to launch a completely different venture that serves the modern needs of downtown Glens Falls.
• The "High-Low" Merchandising Strategy:Floro’s Mercantile captures a wider demographic by offering accessible, high-quality basics (like white linen and denim) alongside a curated selection of aspirational luxury items, such as $1,500 handbags.
• Hire for the Frontline:Recognizing she couldn't be on the floor 100% of the time, Ali prioritized hiring a stellar manager and part-time staff, understanding that they are the face of the brand's customer service.
• Ecosystem Synergy:Floro's success is bolstered by its proximity to complementary businesses (like the neighboring salon), proving that strategic location and commercial clustering drive mutual foot traffic.

• "My whole family is very entrepreneurial... it's like a bug. You wanna do different things."
• "The cool thing about this business, Floro's, is the footprint that it's in is in the original New Way Lunch. We rented this space for eighty-six years."

• Floro's Mercantile Website

More from Ann Donnelly:

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

More from the North Country Media Network:

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 Todayhttps://northcountry.media

If you found value in Ali’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 - your reviews help AI search engines recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!

Share this episode with a local business owner or retail enthusiast.

Drop a comment: What is your go-to classic wardrobe staple that you can't live without?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guest: Kara Magoolaghan, Co-Owner, Hometown Shop

How does a trained engineer with a law degree end up designing the coziest, most vibrant vintage retail hub in Downtown Glens Falls?

In this exclusive bonus feature of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly has a conversation with Kara Magoolaghan, co-owner of Hometown Shop on the newly revitalized South Street. Kara shares the origin story of her unique storefront – how the commercial space "found her" and inspired a mission to help residents inject personality into their new white-box apartments.

From sourcing high-quality paints and curated vintage clothing to hosting community tea parties and neighborhood collaborations, discover how Hometown Shop is bringing experiential retail to the heart of the North Country.

(Note: This interview was conducted on assignment for the Glens Falls Business Journal).

• Solving the "White Box" Problem:With an influx of new residential apartments on South Street, Kara recognized a specific market need: helping residents turn sterile, brand-new apartment boxes into personalized homes using high-quality paints, wallpapers, and curated home goods.
• Experiential Retail is the Future:Hometown Shop doesn't just sell products; it sells experiences. By hosting after-hours tea parties, cake collaborations, and crafting events, the shop is successfully building a loyal, highly engaged community.
• The Power of Hyper-Local Collaboration:From partnering with Simpatico Bakery for treats to co-hosting themed pop-up events at the Golden Monkey, Hometown Shop proves that cross-pollinating with neighboring businesses is the fastest way to grow local foot traffic.

Q: Where is Hometown Shop located in Glens Falls?

A: Hometown Shop is located at 48 South Street, right across from the farmers market in the newly revitalized downtown block.

Q: What does Hometown Shop sell?

A: The shop offers a cozy mix of high-quality paints, wallpaper, home goods, gifts, and a curated selection of vintage clothing managed by Vintage Purrfect.

"With all of the new apartments going up, they're all just big white boxes before you insert your personality into them... and what better way to do that than using paint and wallpaper."

"We want to help people feel at home in the way that feels natural to them... we want this shop to feel like home and not just sort of a brand new off-the-shelf model home."

Explore Hometown Shop:

• Location:48 South Street, Glens Falls, NY
• Website:https://www.hometowngf.com/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579644972492
• Instagram:@hometown_glensfalls
• Don't Miss:The upcoming Balloon Fest Pop-Up at the Golden Monkey on Sept 11th (6-8 PM)!

Read the Full Feature:

Read Ann's comprehensive article on the South Street revitalization in the Glens Falls Business Journal.

More from Ann Donnelly:

Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist

Building Success Stories podcast & articles

More from the North Country Media Network:

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

If you found value in Kara's journey of building a local business, 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 local leaders!
• Share this episodewith a friend, retail owner, or aspiring entrepreneur who needs to hear this today.

Host: Ann Donnelly

Featured Audio Interviews:

• Kara Magoolaghan, Co-Owner, Hometown Shop
• MeLinda Stanley, Owner, Tease Salon and Beauty Bar
• Ali Gazetus Mineo, Owner, Floro's Mercantile
• Jim Siplon, President & CEO, Warren County EDC (From Episode 10)

With Additional Insights From:

• Katy Foster, Co-Owner, Katy's Wine & Whiskey Bar
• Judd Gershen, Owner, Judd's Tavern

What happens when ambitious private investment leverages the momentum of a $10M New York State DRI initiative? Look no further than the newly revitalized 46-56 South Street block in Downtown Glens Falls. Just a year ago, this block was defined by chain-link fences and vacant windows. Today, thanks to developer Chris Patten and a wave of young entrepreneurs, it is a self-sustaining micro-economy.

In Episode 11 of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly takes you on a walking tour of the city's fastest-growing business hub. We explore how five distinct businesses—ranging from upscale dining and vintage retail to beauty and a neighborhood tavern—are working together to create a thriving ecosystem for the city's newest residents. Discover the exact blueprint for Upstate New York's revitalization.

(Note: The interviews featured in this episode were conducted on assignment for the Glens Falls Business Journal).

• The Power of Synergy:Economic revitalization accelerates when strategic private developers build upon the momentum of public initiatives like the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).
• The Youth Movement:Despite Warren County's average age nearing 50, the entrepreneurs driving South Street's rebirth are a dynamic wave of business owners under 40, injecting fresh energy and modern retail concepts into the city.
• Ecosystem Economics:By clustering complimentary businesses (food, drinks, apparel, home goods, and beauty) on a single block, these owners are creating a self-sustaining destination that instantly services the incoming residents of the new 70-unit South Street Apartments.
• Honoring the Past to Build the Future:True community development honors local history. Businesses like Floro's Mercantile are proving you can build modern, trendy brands while respecting the century-old footprints of the family businesses that came before them.

Explore the South Street Businesses:

• Katy's Wine & Whiskey Bar (46 South St):Website|Facebook|Instagram
• Hometown Shop (48 South St):Stop in for vintage goods, high-quality paints, and community crafting events.
• Tease Salon and Beauty Bar (50 South St):Visit MeLinda and her team for a full range of hair and beauty services.
• Floro's Mercantile (52 South St):Shop a curated mix of timeless basics and luxury handbags.
• Judd's Tavern (54 South St):Website|Facebook

Read the Full Feature in the Glens Falls Business Journal.

More from Ann Donnelly:

Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist

Building Success Stories podcast & articles

More from the North Country Media Network:

Want your business's legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact?

North Country Media Network website

If you found value in this look at our region's economic growth, please take a moment to help our podcast grow:

Subscribe/Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Look out for full, uncut Bonus Interviews with these business owners dropping over the next two weeks!

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 local leaders!

Share this episode with a friend, developer, or business owner who needs to hear this today.

Drop a comment: Which of these new South Street businesses are you most excited to visit, or what changes have you loved seeing in Downtown Glens Falls?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guest: Jim Siplon, President & CEO, Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Warren County

What if the secret to building a resilient regional economy isn't chasing smokestacks or mega-factories, but leveraging the irreplaceable "power of place"?

In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Jim Siplon, President & CEO of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Warren County. From studying astrophysics and managing satellite warning operations in the U.S. Air Force to scaling Fiji Water and starting up JUST Water in Glens Falls, Jim brings a uniquely global and multi-industry perspective to regional economic strategy.

Ann and Jim dive deep into the real mechanics of modern economic development: how the $1B+ regional experiential economy serves as an anchor against AI and automation, why demographic trends require proactive community investment, and how public-private partnerships are driving transformational revitalization in South Street, Lake George, and North Creek. They also address current headlines, including Finch Paper's strategic evolution, regional logging supply chains, and the emerging initiative to position the Adirondacks as a global hub for freshwater innovation.

• Place-First Economic Development: Modern economic growth is rarely about recruiting distant factories; it's about identifying and stewarding regional assets that draw people and enterprise organically.
• The Timeless Experiential Anchor: Warren County's tourism and experiential economy generates over $1B in economic value. Unlike digital services, authentic regional experiences (like Lake George and the Adirondack Park) are inherently resilient against AI and automation.
• Navigating Demographics with Intention: With Warren County’s median age approaching 50 (compared to the national median of ~40), attracting working-age families and young entrepreneurs is essential to sustaining infrastructure, healthcare, emergency services, and civic organizations.
• Targeted Downtown Revitalization (DRI): Public investments, such as Glens Falls' South Street initiative ($10M state DRI leveraging $50M+ in private capital) and North Creek’s new sewer infrastructure, are proving that intentional change enhances regional character rather than replacing it.
• Pivoting Regional Industry & Forestry: Finch Paper’s transition away from low-grade wood pulp processing creates an opportunity to reimagine Adirondack timber. The EDC and regional partners are exploring composite and modular housing manufacturing using local wood, securing forestry jobs and locking in carbon locally.
• Building the Freshwater Innovation Cluster: Leveraging pristine local water assets alongside partners like RPI, the Darrin Freshwater Institute, and the Jefferson Project, Warren County is working to establish a commercial innovation hub around freshwater protection and eco-technology.
• Humanity Over Sterile Economics: As Jim emphasizes, "The economy is brutal and sterile. It doesn't have feelings. The caring part has to come from the people operating around it."

More about Jim Siplon & EDC Warren County:

• EDC Warren County Website
• Connect with Jim on LinkedIn

More from Ann Donnelly:

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist
• Building Success Stories podcast & articles
• Connect with Ann Donnelly on LinkedIn

More from the North Country Media Network:

• North Country Media Network Website
• YouTube Channel

If you found value in Jim's insights today, 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 ratings help AI engines and podcast algorithms recommend us to other leaders and entrepreneurs!
3. Share this episode with a fellow business owner, regional decision-maker, or community builder who cares about the future of Upstate New York.
4. Drop a comment: What regional asset or revitalization initiative in the North Country are you most excited about?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guests: Vicki Marking, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Bryan Carr, Account Executive, LayerEight

In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Vicki Marking and Bryan Carr from Layer Eight. Layer Eight is an IT company that recently expanded its presence from Plattsburgh to a new office on Broad Street in Glens Falls.

Vicki and Bryan discuss their mission to act as a completely outsourced IT department for their clients, covering everything from daily troubleshooting to consulting and VoIP phone systems. They dive deep into the critical importance of cybersecurity. They explain why small and medium businesses are now prime targets for hackers. They also unpack the implications of the New York State Shield Act, and explain why the "eighth layer" of IT is the most important of all: the human layer. Whether you are a solopreneur or a growing company, this episode is packed with essential advice to help protect, streamline, and scale your business operations safely.

• What is "LayerEight"?In the IT world, the OSI model describes a seven-layer stack to identify network problems. LayerEight refers to an unofficial "eighth layer" that represents the human layer, or the user. Technology is only effective if it does what the user needs it to do.
• The Cybersecurity Threat to Small Businesses:Small and medium businesses have become frequent targets for hackers because they often lack robust security measures. Hackers are frequently not breaking into systems; they are walking through the front door using stolen usernames and passwords, and through phishing scams.
• New York State SHIELD Act:Enacted in March 2020, this cybersecurity law mandates that businesses protect client data and personally identifiable information. It serves as a compliance framework for businesses that aren't already subject to regulations in industries such as healthcare, finance, or insurance.
• All-Inclusive IT Support:LayerEight offers a flat monthly fee for completely outsourced IT support. This pricing model encourages employees to report issues and submit tickets immediately, without fear of incurring hourly charges, which ultimately saves the business money on lost productivity.
• The Power of AI and Policies:With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, businesses need clear policies to ensure employees don't accidentally expose sensitive company or client information.
• Regional Expansion:LayerEight serves clients from the Canadian border down to the Capital District and parts of Vermont. Bryan Carr, a former Navy recruiter, was brought on to lead their outreach and educate businesses in the Greater Glens Falls and Saratoga areas.

More about Layer Eight:

• https://www.thelayereight.com/

More from Ann Donnelly:

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

More from the North Country Media Network:

• North Country Media Network

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

• Subscribe/Followso 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 or business owner who needs to hear this today.
• Drop a comment:Has your business implemented an AI usage policy or recently updated its cybersecurity training?

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guest: Scott Cross, Broker/Owner of Crosspoint Realty

Why do some real estate agents thrive while others struggle to find their footing? And what does it take to leave a secure management role overseeing 58 agents to build your own brokerage from the ground up?

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann sits down with Scott Cross, the Broker and Owner of Crosspoint Realty, newly headquartered in Moreau Commons. Scott shares his incredible journey from serving in the Army, working as a NYS Corrections Officer, and volunteering in EMS, to becoming a top-tier real estate leader.

We dive deep into the realities of the current Upstate New York housing market, why the Exit 17 corridor is the next major real estate "pinch point," and the ultimate secret to surviving as an independent contractor: community service. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur, an aspiring real estate agent, or a local business owner looking to scale, Scott’s insights on leadership, market knowledge, and building a legacy will leave you inspired to take your next big leap.

• The Power of the Pivot:Scott transitioned from managing three offices and 58 agents for Berkshire Hathaway to launching Crosspoint Realty because he missed the hands-on connection of selling and wanted to build his own legacy.
• Location is Everything:Discover why the Moreau and Exit 17 area is becoming a massive growth "pinch point" as Saratoga expands northward and Glens Falls expands southward.
• The Truth About the Market:While inventory is tight and interest rates are a factor, correctly pricing and aggressively marketing a home is still driving successful sales.
• "Marry the House, Not the Rate":Scott shares timeless advice for buyers waiting on the sidelines—you can always refinance when rates drop, but finding the right home requires taking action.
• Community is Your Best Marketing:Drawing from his background in the military and EMS, Scott explains why the most successful agents don't just sell houses—they embed themselves in their communities through service and relationship-building.
• Drive Over Everything:Success as an independent contractor requires immense self-motivation; you cannot simply wait for business to come to you.

More about Scott Cross & Crosspoint Realty:

• Crosspoint Realty website
• Southern Adirondack REALTORS®, Inc.

More from Ann Donnelly:

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist
• Building Success Stories Podcast & Articles

More from the North Country Media Network:

• North Country Media Network Website

If you found value in Scott’s journey from corrections to real estate leadership, please take a moment to help our podcast grow:

• Subscribe/Followon your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.
• Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up)- your reviews and ratings tell algorithms that this is high-value content, helping us recommend it to other growth-minded entrepreneurs!
• Share this episodewith a friend, real estate agent, or business owner who needs a spark of motivation today.
• Drop a comment below:What community organization or volunteer work has had the biggest impact on your professional network? Let us know!

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guest: Nick George, Executive Director, High Peaks Hospice

In this powerful episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly sits down with Nick George, the Executive Director of High Peaks Hospice. Celebrating 40 years of service, High Peaks Hospice provides vital, compassionate end-of-life care across six New York State counties. Operating within the second-largest geographic coverage area for a hospice in the state, Nick and his team of nearly 50 staff members bring their services directly to the communities they serve.

Nick dispels the common misconception that hospice is a specific facility, explaining how their dedicated "pit crew" of medical and emotional support staff goes directly to wherever a patient calls home. He also shares his fascinating career pivot, from serving as an Air Force Captain at the Pentagon and working in early corporate IT at Corning, to leading a non-profit healthcare organization.

Whether you are a healthcare professional, a business leader interested in non-profit management, or someone looking to better understand end-of-life resources for your family, this conversation offers a masterclass in balancing heartfelt community service with strong operational infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• Hospice is a Service, Not a Place:High Peaks Hospice does not operate a residential facility; instead, they deliver care directly to patients in their private homes, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities.
• The Circle of Care:The organization supports patients and their family caregivers by providing a wraparound team that includes RNs, LPNs, social workers, spiritual care specialists, and trained volunteers.
• Education Before Crisis:The best time to learn about hospice services is well before an emergency or terminal diagnosis occurs, allowing families to make informed decisions without added stress.
• Accessible and Fully Covered:Qualification for hospice is medically based on a terminal prognosis of six months or less, regardless of age or financial need.
• Comprehensive Financial Support:Once a patient is on service, hospice covers all related medical equipment, such as hospital beds and wheelchairs, as well as pain management medications.
• A Unique Volunteer Mandate:Hospice is the only healthcare sector federally mandated to maintain a workforce comprised of 5% volunteers.
• Creative Volunteer Opportunities:Volunteers support the mission by sitting with patients, walking dogs, assembling admission bags, and even knitting lap blankets or protective clothing.
• The Dual-Priority Business Model:High Peaks Hospice operates on two main goals: ensuring every patient feels like the most important person in the world, and keeping the business financially and operationally healthy to sustain that care.
• Seeking Strategic Board Members:To support their ongoing mission, the organization is actively recruiting new board members with strong backgrounds in business ownership and finance.

Connect with High Peaks Hospice:

• Website:highpeakshospice.org
• Phone:518-891-0606
• Get Involved:Reach out to their office to request an information packet, make a referral, or learn about volunteer opportunities.

Read the Full Feature:

• Catch the accompanying article for this interview in the Glens Falls Business Journal.

Help Us Build More Success Stories!

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