INcorporate - A Podcast for Business Owners

What separates a skilled entrepreneur from a truly effective business leader? In this episode of INcorporate, we sit down with Dr. Jim Lemoine and Althea Luehrsen to explore how leadership becomes the defining factor in long-term business success. 

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Whether you’re leading a small team or scaling a growing company, this episode offers practical insights to help you become a more intentional and effective leader.

Listen now and discover how better leadership can strengthen your business from the inside out.

Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

Employee benefits can feel like one of the most confusing—and costly—parts of running a business. In this episode we discuss how small business owners can approach benefits more strategically. 

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If you’re a business owner trying to make smarter decisions about your team and your bottom line, this episode is a must-listen. Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who could benefit from a clearer, more strategic approach to employee benefits.

What if the fastest path to business ownership isn’t starting from scratch—but buying something that already works? In this episode, we explore acquisition entrepreneurship and why it’s gaining traction among professionals looking for a smarter, lower-risk entry into ownership. Featuring insights from experienced operators and educators, the conversation breaks down how to evaluate, finance, and grow businesses through acquisition.

Topics Discussed

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AI is reshaping how businesses operate. But for many owners, it still feels overwhelming. In this episode, we break down what AI actually is (and isn’t), and explore practical ways small businesses can start using it today. From automating repetitive tasks to building custom tools without coding, this conversation cuts through the hype and focuses on how AI can save time and drive smarter decisions, without replacing the human touch.

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Marketing is evolving faster than ever and AI is changing the rules. In this episode, we break down what actually matters for small business owners trying to cut through the noise and grow sustainably. From choosing the right platforms to understanding what drives real results, this conversation blends timeless marketing fundamentals with modern AI-powered tactics.

In this episode, we cover:

If you’re ready to simplify your marketing and focus on what truly drives growth, hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow business owner who could use a smarter strategy.

Understanding your numbers is one of the most important things a business owner can do, but it’s also one of the most commonly avoided. In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan sit down with Regional Managing Partner for the Bonadio Group Denise Neamon, and VP for Commercial Lending at Tompkins Bank Sean Quinn to break down how entrepreneurs can take control of their finances, make smarter decisions, and position their businesses for sustainable growth.

Topics discussed in this episode:

If this episode helped clarify your financial picture, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who could benefit from understanding their numbers a little better.

Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

When family and business collide, things can get complicated. This episode Susan and Jordan are joined by Joe Manna of Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP and Alan Pawlowski of Pace Management. We dive into the unique challenges and rewards of running a family business. From navigating succession planning to managing unique emotional dynamics. This conversation uncovers how communication, structure, and proactive planning can make or break a multigenerational legacy.

Topics Discussed

If this episode hit close to home, share it with another family business. Reach out to your family or trusted advisors and take the first step toward a stronger, more sustainable future for your business.

Rising costs, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty are putting pressure on businesses everywhere,but cutting costs the wrong way can do more harm than good. In this episode, Susan and Jordan sit down with John Hogg of Straightforward Consulting to break down how lean strategies can help business owners reduce waste, improve efficiency, and protect profitability without sacrificing growth.

Topics Covered

If this episode gave you a new perspective on your business operations, share it with another business owner who’s feeling the pressure, and start a conversation about working smarter, not harder.

Turning leads into loyal customers doesn’t happen by accident, it requires a deliberate sales strategy. In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan are joined by sales consultant Tony Watson and entrepreneur Aaron Partridge to unpack what it really takes for small business owners to build a consistent, scalable sales process.

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If you’re ready to move beyond accidental sales and build a predictable growth engine for your business, this episode is for you. Listen now, then share it with a fellow business owner and start putting these strategies into action to grow your pipeline and close more deals.