In episode 71 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson catches up with creative powerhouse Todd Bailey to discuss his fascinating evolution from a performing musician to a Forbes-published photographer and fractional CMO. They dive deep into the impact of AI on content creation, the wild world of muscle cars, and why small businesses benefit immensely from fractional marketing leadership.

You can connect with Todd and check out his extensive portfolio at tbphotopix.com.

0:00 Introduction and Welcoming Todd Bailey

0:43 Todd's Creative Journey: From Music to Photography

1:36 Evolving into Video and Digital Marketing

3:07 The Value of High-Quality vs. Mediocre Content

4:29 Getting Published in Forbes Magazine

5:34 The Ingenuity of Composite Team Photography

7:46 Balancing Photo, Video, and Marketing Services 

9:48 Navigating AI in the Content Creation Space 

13:37 The Dangers of Bad AI Headshot Generators 

15:50 Saratoga Auto Museum and the Don Yenko Muscle Car Project

18:35 Thoughts on the Tesla Cybertruck

19:28 Returning to Music: From Retirement Homes to Rock Shows

21:46 Working with Big Brands vs. Small Businesses 

23:25 Exciting Video Projects: Hanging off Trucks and YouTube Channels 

26:12 What is a Fractional CMO and Why Do You Need One?

In episode 70 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Jared Humiston of Adirondack Technical Solutions to talk about how businesses can better manage IT, strengthen cybersecurity, and avoid costly disruptions. Jared shares practical insights on common tech mistakes, proactive solutions, and why having the right IT partner is essential for growth.

Learn more about Jared and Adirondack Technical Solutions at adktechs.com.

0:00 Introduction

0:42 Meet Jared Humiston and ADKtechs

1:35 What Adirondack Technical Solutions Does

4:15 Early Challenges Working with Small Businesses

5:42 The Most Common IT Problems Companies Face

8:28 Break/Fix IT vs Managed Services Explained

09:55 The Hidden Cost of Waiting for Things to Break

12:40 Cybersecurity Risks Small Businesses Overlook

15:32 Phishing and Human Error Vulnerabilities

18:20 How ADKtechs Helps Prevent Attacks

22:30 What Happens When You Lose Your Data

23:55 Supporting Remote and Hybrid Workforces

25:20 Cloud Systems and Accessibility

28:05 When to Upgrade Your Systems

29:30 Working with Local vs National IT Providers

33:35 Budgeting for IT the Right Way

36:10 Simple Steps to Improve IT Today

37:25 Jared’s Advice for Business Owners

38:40 Future Trends in IT and Cybersecurity

39:45 How to Get Started with ADKtechs

40:30 Where to Find Jared and Outro

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Nick Schkrioba of Peoplease to break down how Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) help businesses simplify payroll, workers’ compensation, compliance, and HR operations. Nick explains how outsourcing back-office tasks allows business owners to focus on growth while gaining access to better insurance rates, risk mitigation, and nationwide support.

Learn more about Nick and Peoplease at Peoplease.com.

0:00 Introduction

0:27 Meet Nick Schkrioba and Peoplease

1:08 What a Professional Employer Organization Does

1:53 Why Peoplease Focuses on Blue and Gray Collar Industries

2:37 Nick’s Career Journey and Returning to New York

3:58 Breaking Down the Core Services of a PEO

5:00 Why Compliance Is Harder Than Ever for Business Owners

6:00 The Rise of Outsourcing Back-Office Operations

06:38 The Limits of Traditional HR Departments

7:27 The Buying Power Advantage of a PEO

8:53 How Employee Pools Lower Insurance Costs

10:11 Nationwide Coverage for Multi-State Businesses

11:08 Clearing Up the Employee Ownership Misconception

13:46 Do PEOs Help With Hiring and HR Strategy?

15:14 How Risk Mitigation and Workers’ Comp Savings Work

17:12 Keeping Contracts with a Better Workers’ Comp Mod

20:04 Payroll, Compliance, and Safety Training Support

24:20 How to Connect With Nick and Peoplease

In episode 68 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson interviews Jacque Ecuyer, founder of the 4s4Life Foundation, about Operation Give Back—a free, all-day military appreciation event at Slickfin Brewing Company featuring live music, food trucks, raffles, and community camaraderie for veterans and their families. Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the event directs 100% of proceeds to local veteran organizations, fostering appreciation, shared stories, and real support in the Glens Falls/Upper Hudson Valley area.

You can find Jacque on Facebook and Instagram (@manupnotshutup), at 4s4life.com, and on the event site at operationgiveback.us. 

0:00 Welcome to Buying Local with Mike Nelson

0:40 Introducing Jacque Ecuyer & 4s4Life

1:44 Why purpose keeps us sharp and young

2:30 What is Operation Give Back?

2:56 Fifth anniversary & exponential growth

3:44 Founding partners: Slickfin Brewing & Vested Veteran Grill

4:47 Event vibe: 1,500 people, rain or shine, huge patio

5:41 Raffles, silent auction & sponsor shirts

6:42 How it started over craft beer at the bar

8:51 Community support across Washington, Warren & Saratoga counties

10:29 Zero overhead: venue, bands & food all donated

12:04 Logistics, delegation & dream team

13:58 Choosing local beneficiaries

15:31 Shoutout to Adirondack Vets House

17:42 Future growth & April bowling kickoff “No Pins Left Behind.”

19:32 Shared values with Five Towers Media

21:24 New date: May 16th (between Mother’s Day & Memorial Day)

22:38 Full schedule, free entry, first $1,000 food covered by Adirondack Peer to Peer

23:46 How to get involved, donate, or sponsor

24:58 Moment of silence & emotional guitar Star-Spangled Banner

26:14 Closing thanks & where to find the event

In episode 67 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Casey Cornell, Sean Wilcoxon, Mike Colvett, and Ron Pastino to talk about Cornell’s Used Auto Parts’ annual charity car show and the mission behind it. The conversation explores how the local event is raising money for Folds of Honor while sharing the powerful story of a 9/11 first responder whose family benefited from the organization’s scholarships.

Consider supporting Cornell’s Used Auto Parts 4th Annual Car Show benefiting Folds of Honor NY on May 2nd from 9am-3pm. If you’d like to donate or get more information about their sponsorship programs, please message Cornell’s Used Auto Parts on Facebook or call Mike at (518) 812-6282! Help provide scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.

0:00 Introduction and today’s special group format

1:10 What Cornell’s charity car show is all about

2:00 How the event grew from a small gathering to a major fundraiser

3:20 Sponsors and community support for the car show

4:30 Event details: date, location, and what attendees can expect

5:45 Ron Pastino introduces himself and his background in service

6:30 Deploying to Ground Zero after 9/11

7:30 The long-term health effects on first responders

9:10 The diagnosis that changed Ron’s life

10:30 Major surgeries and forced retirement from the State Police

12:00 Life after service and finding a new purpose

14:00 Discovering charities and finding help through Folds of Honor

15:30 How scholarships helped Ron’s children attend college

17:00 Managing long-term health and recovery

20:30 What Folds of Honor is and how it started

22:00 Why community events like the car show matter

24:00 How families can apply for scholarships

26:30 The importance of remembering the ongoing impact of 9/11

27:20 Final thanks and invitation to the car show

In Episode 66 of the Buying Local Podcast, Mike Nelson sits down with intuitive life coach, speaker, and author Karen Carey to explore personal growth, emotional patterns, and the real work behind transformation. The conversation dives into her book Unbroken, unpacking how past experiences shape behavior, why discomfort often signals growth, and how self-awareness helps people rebuild their lives with intention and purpose.

Connect with Karen Carey at rubyredroad.com to learn more about her coaching, speaking, and check out her book!

0:00 Welcome & introduction to Karen Carey

1:00 What an intuitive life coach actually does

2:30 Coaching misconceptions and skepticism

5:00 Experience vs. theory in helping people grow

8:30 Why discomfort is necessary for growth

12:30 Kintsugi and the philosophy behind Unbroken

14:30 Recognizing repeating life patterns

17:00 Coping mechanisms and behavioral loops

18:30 Trauma responses and emotional safety

20:00 Relearning how to have fun

22:30 Stress regulation and nervous system awareness

23:50 Writing a deeply personal book

27:00 Vulnerability and sharing your story publicly

35:30 Stop making yourself wrong

39:00 Communication tools and listening skills

41:30 Navigating hard conversations

47:00 Aging, wisdom, and continued growth

48:15 Who the book is for & where to find it

52:30 Final reflections and closing thoughts

In episode 65 of the Buying Local podcast, host Matt Knoth sits down with real estate attorney Dan Wade to break down what buyers and sellers need to know to avoid costly mistakes during the home-buying process, from inspections to utilities to title work. He also shares practical tips on protecting your money, managing stress, and making sure your closing goes smoothly.

Learn more about Dan Wade and Ianniello Anderson, P.C. at ialawny.com or call (518) 371-8888.

0:00 Introducing attorney Dan Wade

1:52 What a real estate attorney actually does in a transaction

3:36 Why educating clients is a major part of Dan’s process

5:09 Real estate law as emotional support work

6:56 Dan’s unexpected career path (vet school to law)

8:27 How Dan got into real estate law and title work

10:01 Biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make

10:42 The dangers of waiving inspections

12:28 Seller mistakes: utilities and winter disasters

14:31 Preventing frozen pipes and winter damage

15:57 Buyer mistakes that can ruin financing (jobs, marriage, timing)

17:13 Scam warning: fake deed and “official” letters

18:43 Wiring fraud risks and how to protect your money

20:05 NY STAR program explained (free tax rebate)

22:07 Camps & Adirondack properties: special legal considerations

23:58 Where to find Dan and closing wrap-up

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike and Matthew sit down with Bob Fitch, Chris Leuzinger, and Shawn Moodie to break down how Gold Star Referral Clubs helps business owners grow through structured networking, relationship-building, and consistent referrals. They explain what makes their group different, how meetings are run, and why trust-based connections often outperform traditional advertising. 

To learn more about them and Gold Star Referral Clubs, visit goldstarreferralclubs.com.

0:00 Introduction and the topic of Gold Star networking

1:05 Guest introductions (Bob Fitch, Chris Leuzinger, Shawn Moodie)

2:10 Chris explains what Nourishing Minds Tutoring does

3:00 Shawn talks about entrepreneurship and being a credit consultant

4:00 Shawn explains what Gold Star Referral Clubs is

5:20 Breakdown of the weekly meeting structure

6:15 Comparing Gold Star to other networking groups

7:55 “Structured, but still fun” networking environment

8:35 Bob compares networking to “dating” and finding the right fit

10:05 Gold Star is becoming more like a business family/community

12:45 Chris talks about expanding Gold Star into Glens Falls/Queensbury

13:50 Matt shares the “younger perspective” on networking

16:00 Introduction of “cross-clubbing” (visiting other chapters)

16:50 Chris explains how cross-clubbing expands opportunity fast

18:05 Shawn explains the “abundance mindset” and category flexibility

20:20 ROI discussion: how referrals outweigh membership cost

30:35 Real-life example: networking = connecting people who need help

34:55 Mike explains leveraging networks to reach ideal clients

36:55 Best practices: one-on-ones and building trust faster

42:05 Staying “top of mind” and why consistency matters long-term

52:25 Closing thoughts and where to find Gold Star

In this episode of Buying Local, host Matt Knoth sits down with Sean Palladino, Writer and Councilperson-Elect, to talk about storytelling, spotlighting small businesses, and what it’s like capturing the heartbeat of the Glens Falls community through writing. Sean also opens up about mental health, public service, and why getting involved locally can truly change everything.

You can find Sean at seanpalladino.com or follow him on Instagram and Facebook @seanpalladino.

0:00 Introduction to Sean Palladino and his work

1:15 Moving to the area and building a new life in Glens Falls

2:30 Running clubs, civil service work, and finding direction

3:50 Sean’s writing style and process

4:35 Researching businesses and capturing their history

5:55 How Ridge Street and Glens Falls have changed over time

6:30 Arcade Archeology and the power of enthusiasm

8:05 ADHD, detail, and writing in a way that immerses readers

10:00 A behind-the-scenes writing experience at Stinky’s Coffee

11:55 Short films and creative projects outside writing

13:35 Realizing he’s been practicing storytelling his whole life

14:50 Childhood writing, imagination, and creative influence

17:35 Journaling, mental health, and working through struggles

18:55 Sean opens up about his mental health crisis and recovery

20:45 Why he ran for public office (and how easy it started)

23:15 Transparency, council summaries, and public trust

26:05 Feeder Canal cleanup and improving public spaces

28:30 Final takeaway: why democracy requires participation

31:40 Where to find Sean and his work

In this episode of Buying Local, host Matt Knoth sits down with Ohad Oren, Licensed Loan Consultant at loanDepot, to break down what actually goes into getting approved for a mortgage without the jargon or pressure. Ohad shares how education, trust, and long-term relationships help buyers navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives with confidence.

Connect with Ohad Oren through loanDepot at loandepot.com/loan-officers/ooren, or reach out to him directly on LinkedIn.

0:00 Welcome to Buying Local & introduction to Ohad Oren

2:10 Ohad’s early career: engineering, computer science, and finance

4:45 Life in auto finance and the grind of dealership hours

6:20 Transitioning into mortgages and finding balance

8:05 Customer vs. client: how mortgage relationships really work

10:15 Why real estate agents and lenders must operate in lockstep

12:05 Licensing, regulation, and why mortgage rules matter

14:30 The emotional side of buying a home

16:10 Why “closing fast” isn’t always the buyer’s priority

18:05 Simplifying complex mortgage options for clients

20:10 Expecting surprises in every real estate transaction

22:00 Referral networks and relationship-driven business

23:55 What pre-approval really looks like behind the scenes

26:05 Down payments vs. affordability reality checks

28:20 Understanding closing costs and where the money goes

30:45 How mortgage banks actually make money

33:10 Preparing years in advance for homeownership

36:20 Setting realistic expectations for first-time buyers

39:30 Long-term value of trust and education

42:45 Final thoughts and advice for local homebuyers