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

In this episode of Buying Local, host Matt Knoth sits down with Alisha Stosic, owner of Downtown Dogs Spa & Boutique, to talk about leaving the corporate world, opening a dog-focused business in downtown Glens Falls, and helping revitalize South Street. They discuss the challenges of starting out, the importance of community, and how pets can bring people together in powerful ways.

You can find Alicia and Downtown Dogs Spa & Boutique online at downtowndogsspaandboutique.com or by following them on Facebook and Instagram. 

0:00 Welcome to Buying Local & introduction of Alicia

0:43 Revitalizing South Street and choosing downtown Glens Falls

1:30 Opening timeline and leaving corporate life

2:15 Why grooming + boutique was the right fit

2:53 What makes the boutique unique

4:27 Shipping products nationwide

5:02 Personal background and early inspiration

5:59 South Street’s transformation and future growth

7:27 Early challenges and building out the space

8:13 Grooming services and specialty offerings

9:53 Community involvement and long-term goals

10:47 Pet loss support group and advocacy work

12:05 Creating a calm, welcoming space for all dogs

14:18 Events, collaborations, and fun community ideas

15:06 Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs

16:24 How to find and follow Downtown Dogs

In this new episode of the Buying Local podcast, Mike sits down with Brian Green, founder of Green Springs Companies, to break down how a single-property investment evolved into a vertically integrated real estate operation spanning development, property management, construction, and financial advisory. Tune in as they delve into scaling strategies, market pivots, calculated risk, and how a long-term vision drives sustainable growth.

You can find this week’s guest, Brian Green, at greenspringscapitalgroup.com or by emailing [email protected].

0:00 Welcome to Buying Local & introduction to Brian Green

1:00 What Green Springs Companies actually does

2:30 Starting as a solo real estate investor

4:00 When doing everything yourself stops working

5:50 Why scaling bigger deals makes more sense

7:20 Holding vs selling properties long-term

8:45 Condo conversions and creative exits

11:00 The importance of systems and process

12:45 The four companies inside Green Springs

15:45 Vertical integration as a growth strategy

18:10 Turning asset-heavy businesses into cash flow

20:40 Adapting to market slowdowns

22:35 Learning through persistence and problem-solving

24:30 Entrepreneurship, responsibility, and risk

26:55 Supply shortages and the housing market

29:25 Reading local markets correctly

31:00 The $200M assets-under-management goal

33:25 Why Green Springs works with private investors

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Michelle and Tim Schultz to talk about their journey from corporate careers to building a multi-service home design business in the Capital Region. They discuss custom window treatments, interior design, windows and doors, and the launch of their new Glen Street showroom focused on high-touch local service.

Discover Tim and Michelle’s home design endeavors at the links below or email Tim directly at [email protected].

Window Depot Adirondacks: windowdepotadirondacks.com

Designs on Glen: designsonglen.com

Gotcha Covered: gotchacovered.com/saratoga/

0:00 Welcome to Buying Local & guest introductions

1:10 Leaving corporate careers to start a local business

1:55 Got You Covered Saratoga explained

2:45 Why interior design services were the next step

3:30 Adding Window Depot of the Adirondacks

4:10 Why opening a showroom became necessary

5:05 What clients will experience inside the new showroom

7:30 Installation, partnerships, and local contractors

9:10 Why franchising made sense for their business

10:15 Michelle’s interior design background and passion

11:45 The client consultation and design process

14:55 Challenges of running three connected businesses

17:40 Ideal residential and commercial clients

22:20 Modern awnings, power screens, and outdoor living

25:00 Where to find the showroom and how to get in touch

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Matthew Knoth to talk about his journey into sales, networking in the Capital Region, and what it really means to build relationships in a local business community. Matthew also shares his experience stepping into the fire, learning through rejection, and preparing to take on a bigger role with the Buying Local podcast.

You can connect with Matthew by emailing him at [email protected] or by scheduling a meeting with him on Calendly through Five Towers Media.

0:00 Welcome to Buying Local and introduction of Matthew Knoth

1:00 Matthew’s background and first impressions of the local community

2:00 Growing up in New Hartford and finding his way to the Capital Region

3:50 College experience, lacrosse, and studying business

5:20 Joining Five Towers Media and stepping into sales

6:45 Learning by doing: pitches, meetings, and networking

8:15 Why Matthew chose sales as a career path

10:10 Breaking the stigma around sales and helping businesses the right way

12:15 “Go for No” mindset and building conceptual strength

14:30 Experiences with local chambers and networking events

16:55 Stepping outside your comfort zone at networking events

18:20 Cold calling, rejection, and building resilience

20:45 Managing clients, time, and expectations in sales

23:55 Balancing relationships and responsibility in client work

26:20 Matthew joining Buying Local as a future host

28:55 Upcoming interviews and community spotlights

32:00 Looking ahead to 2026 and growing within the community

33:20 How to contact Matthew Knoth and get involved

In this episode, host Mike Nelson sits down with James Bruchac at the Ndakinna Education Center to explore his rich background in indigenous storytelling, animal tracking, and wilderness survival skills. James shares thrilling stories from tracking grizzlies in Yellowstone, his family's Abenaki heritage, and practical tips for upcoming winter courses on fire making, tracking, and navigation.

Find out more about James Bruchac's classes, programs, and the Ndakinna Education Center at ndakinnacenter.org or follow them on social media by searching Ndakinna.

0:00 Intro and welcome at Ndakinna Education Center

2:00 Overview of Ndakinna programs: survival, martial arts, storytelling

4:00 James Bruchac's family background and West Africa ties

7:30 Teenage influences: John Stokes, tracking, primitive skills

10:00 Teaching survival, storytelling, and Dr. James Halfpenny connection

11:30 Yellowstone grizzly tracking and taking daughter Ava

15:00 Camera trapping and adventures with Zach Clothier

18:00 Bear safety: black bears vs. grizzlies

21:00 How survival skills change everyday nature perspective

23:00 Jiu-jitsu program growth and new Alliance Center

26:00 Return of Sunday Survival Series classes

27:30 Upcoming Fire Making class details (January 25th)

30:00 Importance of navigation skills and getting lost

32:00 Tracking class details (February 22nd) and plaster casts

35:00 Class format: classroom + field work in winter

37:30 Jiu-jitsu competitions and student Kyle shoutout

40:00 Where to sign up and learn more

41:30 Wrap-up and thanks

In this episode of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson talks with Alicia Turner from Catamount Consulting about their proactive ergonomics services, exploring how the company uses science, technology, and education to prevent workplace injuries in blue-collar and other industries. They dive into topics like the COPE framework, custom stretch-and-flex programs, breathwork, quantifying fatigue risk, and the real ROI of investing in employee wellness.

Learn more about Alicia Turner and Catamount Consulting at catamountconsultingllc.com or on their social media channels.

0:00 Welcome to Alicia Turner from Catamount Consulting

0:46 Overview of Catamount Consulting’s services

2:46 Discussion on primary industries served and expansion beyond blue-collar

4:57 Defining ergonomics

6:29 Introduction to the COPE framework

8:31 Alicia’s background and journey into ergonomics as a physical therapist

11:13 How Catamount brings ergonomics to clients proactively

12:26 Using AI-powered tools and the proprietary Catamount Fatigue Index for assessments

15:36 Importance of education and the “why” behind ergonomic interventions

17:10 Deep dive into stretch-and-flex programs

19:40 Timing and frequency of stretch-and-flex

23:42 Challenges of proactive adoption and hidden pain in the workforce

27:58 Collaborating with frontline workers for practical solutions

31:20 ROI of ergonomics programs and cost of musculoskeletal injuries

33:16 Direct vs. indirect costs and real-world examples of program impact

37:23 Incorporating breathwork into ergonomics and overcoming the “woo” perception

41:41 Diaphragmatic breathing, posture, and the dangers of accessory muscle breathing

44:34 Productivity gains and foundational breathing corrections

46:29 Where to find Catamount Consulting

46:54 Closing remarks 

In this crossover episode of the Buying Local podcast—also shared on Blue Collar StartUp—host Mike Nelson welcomes guest Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems to discuss how robotics and automation are transforming trade businesses. They dive into real-world applications in commercial cleaning, solving labor shortages, boosting efficiency, and enhancing results in places like healthcare facilities and office buildings. Robots aren’t replacing workers—they’re tools that free up humans for higher-value tasks.

To learn more about Derek Foster and Daigle Cleaning Systems, visit their website at daigleclean.com or find them on social media. 

Check out the Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content from the crossover!

https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-robots-help-146011099

00:00 Intro and welcome to Buying Local (crossover with Blue Collar StartUp)

00:30 Snowstorms, winter work, and life in the trades

03:00 The real cost of vacations for business owners

04:20 Setting up the episode: robotics in the trades

05:00 Derek Foster’s background and growth of Daigle Cleaning Systems

06:30 Introducing robotics and automation in cleaning

08:20 Business acquisition and scaling during COVID

13:40 How cleaning robots actually work (mapping & programming)

18:40 What robots can and cannot replace

21:50 Safety, sensors, and robots working around people

21:20 Productivity gains and reallocating human labor

24:00 Using robotics to open doors with new clients

25:10 ROI, cost savings, and efficiency benefits

29:00 Where robotics works best: healthcare, offices, schools

31:10 Residential vs. commercial cleaning differences

34:10 Franchising, systems, and avoiding costly mistakes

36:50 Labor shortages and the future of automation

38:20 Industry standards, certifications, and audits

46:20 Advice for business owners considering robotics

47:30 Episode wrap-up, crossover notes, and Patreon invitation

48:58 Closing and sponsor acknowledgments