Engineering a Smile—and a Business | Dr. Barry Elaahi of Align Orthodontics

This episode of LocalBizCast is where precision meets purpose.

Dr. Pete sits down with Dr. Barry Elaahi, founder of Align Orthodontics, and his story is a perfect blend of engineering, dentistry, and entrepreneurial grit.

Barry grew up in Rockland County, NY, the son of a dentist and an engineer—and somehow, he became both.

He attended Cornell University, earning a degree in engineering while quietly completing all the prerequisites for dental school. That dual path led him to Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, where everything clicked.

In his third year, he discovered orthodontics—and realized it was the perfect intersection of mechanics, biology, and aesthetics.

From there, the path was set.

But the real story begins after school.

Barry worked as an associate across New Jersey and New York City, commuting from Rockland, even moving back in with his parents “for a few months”… which turned into years. And then—one moment changed everything.

He walked into a practice in New City, NY, saw an opportunity, and asked the 80-year-old orthodontist a simple question:

“Are you ready to retire?”

The answer? Yes.

That moment launched his journey as a business owner.

In this episode, Barry breaks down:

• The leap from associate to owner—and everything that comes with it
• Hiring, building, and leading a high-level team
• The ups and downs of growing a practice organically
• How his success in Rockland led to opening a brand new, custom-built office in Montvale, NJ
• Designing a practice from scratch—layout, workflow, patient experience, even paint colors

But this conversation goes deeper than business.

Barry explains how orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth—it’s about:

• Function
• Confidence
• Long-term health

He treats patients from age 7 to 70, tailoring care to each individual, and even dives into his residency thesis, where he began exploring how orthodontics can play a role in helping patients with sleep apnea.

This is next-level thinking.

If you’re into:

• Entrepreneurship in healthcare
• Building a business from nothing
• Precision-driven work and systems thinking
• Or understanding how orthodontics can impact your life beyond aesthetics

…this episode is packed with value.

🎧 Listen now to hear Dr. Barry Elaahi’s journey—from engineering student to orthodontist to business owner—and how he’s building something special with Align Orthodontics.

👉 And if you’re enjoying LocalBizCast, like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

This is what happens when skill meets opportunity—and someone is bold enough to ask the right question at the right time.

Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders

Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners,entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

The Energy Shift Is Here | From Actor to Solar Expert with Andy Landsman (@solarandy4gs)

This episode of LocalBizCast feels like a wake-up call.

Dr. Pete sits down with Andy Landsman, better known as @solarandy4gs, and what starts as a story about career pivots quickly turns into a powerful conversation about the future of energy, the reality of our grid, and why solar is no longer optional—it’s inevitable.

Andy didn’t start in solar.

He was out in California chasing the acting dream, then made his way back east to the Catskills, where he worked in brewery sales and learned the fundamentals of communication, trust, and understanding people.

When he eventually landed in Nanuet and now Englewood, he had a choice:
Two industries he believed were about to explode—cannabis or solar.

He chose solar… and hasn’t looked back.

In this episode, Andy breaks down:

• How he landed his first job in solar (and why he’s still there)
• What most people don’t understand about the energy industry
• Why he believes we are already in an energy crisis due to an aging grid
• The real reasons homeowners hesitate—and how to think through them
• How solar can lower costs while increasing independence
• Why solar adoption is not “if”… it’s when

And one of the biggest differentiators he explains:

With Sunrun, homeowners don’t need to take on massive upfront costs.

• No buying the system outright
• No worrying about maintenance or repairs
• Fully serviced and supported over time

That model flips the biggest objections on their head and makes solar far more accessible than most people realize.

Andy’s approach is simple. Educate first. No pressure. Help people make the right decision for their home, their finances, and their future.

Whether you want:

• A full solar roof
• A partial system
• Or just to understand your options without being sold

…Andy meets you where you are.

And he leaves you with a line you won’t forget:

“In the next 5–10 years, your roof will be solar… whether you do it, or the next owner does.”

If you care about:

• Saving money on energy
• Understanding where the grid is headed
• Making smart long-term home decisions
• 4G's (Go Green, Get Green)
• Or just hearing a real, unfiltered perspective on solar

This episode delivers.

🎧 Listen now to hear Andy’s story and why the energy conversation is changing faster than most people think.

👉 Follow Andy on Instagram: @solarandy4gs

👉 And if you’re enjoying LocalBizCast, like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

The future isn’t coming. It’s already here.

Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders

Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners, entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

From School Psychologist to Scaling a Franchise | Ondrea Bertie & the Rise of Lice Clinics of America (Ramsey, NJ)

This episode of LocalBizCast is a masterclass in reinvention, smart business decisions, and seeing opportunity where most people wouldn’t even look.

Dr. Pete sits down with Ondrea Bertie, owner of Lice Clinics of America Ramsey, and her story is anything but typical.

Ondrea didn’t start in business.
She started in education and psychology—with two master’s degrees, a career as a guidance counselor in Montvale for 10 years, and then made the decision to step away to raise her three kids.

Like many families, she and her husband reached a crossroads:
Do we invest in real estate? Buy a shore house? What’s the smartest move?

But they weren’t just thinking about money.
They were thinking about legacy—something their kids could one day step into.

That’s when everything shifted.

They explored franchising… and landed on something unexpected:
Lice Clinics of America.

What most people would overlook, Ondrea saw clearly:

• A real problem parents deal with
• A service that’s needed immediately when it arises
• A business with strong demand and the ability to scale

They opened their Ramsey location in January… and the growth was immediate.

By March, they had almost TRIPLED their business.

In this episode, Ondrea breaks down:

• How they evaluated franchise opportunities and made their decision
• The strategy behind choosing location and privacy for clients
• The real challenges of starting a business from scratch
• How she navigates problem-solving as a first-time business owner
• What it takes to go from idea → open doors → rapid growth

And one of the most interesting parts of this conversation…

She dives into the psychology behind the business—understanding that clients don’t want to be seen, and designing the experience around comfort, discretion, and trust.

That level of detail is why this business is working.

Ondrea’s story is real, relatable, and incredibly valuable for anyone thinking about:

• Starting a business
• Transitioning from a career into entrepreneurship
• Franchising as a path to ownership
• Building something meaningful for your family

🎧 Listen now to hear how Ondrea Bertie turned a non-traditional idea into a fast-growing business—and what you can learn from her journey.

👉 Follow: Instagram @liceclinicsramsey

👉 If you’re enjoying LocalBizCast, like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

This is how smart entrepreneurs think differently—and win because of it.

26 Years, One Reputation | Garrett Diamond on Sales, Service & Winning One Customer at a Time

Some people sell products.
Others build trust so strong that people won’t buy from anyone else.

On this episode of LocalBizCast, Dr. Pete sits down with Garrett Diamond, the man behind Shop with the Diamond—and a sales professional who has spent over 26 years mastering the art of relationships.

Currently at P.C. Richard & Son in Nanuet, NY, Garrett has built a reputation that goes far beyond appliances and mattresses. His philosophy is simple, but rare:

Take care of people first. Everything else follows.

In this episode, Garrett breaks down what has allowed him to thrive for decades in a competitive, high-turnover industry:

• Why personalized attention is the ultimate differentiator
• How being available 24/7 builds unmatched trustThe importance of guiding—not pushing—customers

• Knowing when it’s time to buy… and when it’s not

• How to handle problems and turn them into lifelong relationships
• Why a positive attitude and zero judgment changes everything
• His mindset of “win one at a time”—and how that compounds into massive success

Garrett doesn’t just sell. He educates, supports, and stands behind every customer long after the purchase is made. If something goes wrong, he’s the one picking up the phone and making it right.

And here’s what makes this episode different…

He’s so confident in the way he does business that he literally gives out his personal cell phone number—inviting anyone listening to reach out directly if they need help.

That’s not marketing. That’s conviction.

On top of that, Garrett is also a published author, currently working on his second book, continuing to expand his impact beyond the showroom floor.

If you’re in:

• Sales

• Customer service

• Entrepreneurship

• Or just want to understand how to build a reputation that lasts decades

…this episode is a masterclass.

🎧 Listen now to hear Garrett Diamond’s story and why “Shop with the Diamond” has become more than a name—it’s a standard.

👉 Follow Garrett:
Instagram & Facebook: @shopwiththediamond
Website: www.shopwiththediamond.com

👉 And if you’re enjoying LocalBizCast, like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

This is how real trust is built—and why it never goes out of style.

Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders

Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners, entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

From Idea to Empire at 26 | Angela Vargas & Nicole Wiebe of Bonded Lash Bar

This is one of those episodes where you just know you’re watching something big happen early.

On this episode of LocalBizCast, Dr. Pete sits down with Angela Vargas and Nicole Wiebe, the powerhouse founders behind Bonded Lash Bar—and what they’ve built in just a few short weeks is nothing short of impressive.

At just 26 years old, these two didn’t wait, hesitate, or overthink. They took action.

In a matter of weeks, they’ve:

• Opened TWO locations in New Jersey. Fair Lawn and Fairfield

• Built a team of 10 employees

• Grown to over 5,000 Instagram followers

• Launched major marketing campaigns including a billboard on Route 46

• Created real momentum with clients already coming through the door

And the best part? They figured it all out themselves.

From choosing the name, branding, colors, and logo, to setting up scheduling software, pricing, and business structure, Angela and Nicole built this from the ground up—step by step, decision by decision.

In this episode, we get into:

• What it really takes to launch a business fast

• How they chose their locations based on client proximity and strategy

• Their approach to marketing, branding, and visibility

• Why they leaned into local events and high-energy grand openings

• How they think about growth, expansion, and scaling early

And here’s what stands out—these two get it.

They understand attention, they understand consistency, and they understand that if you want to grow, you have to put yourself out there. The billboard, the social media, the presence—it’s all intentional.

And they’re just getting started.

They even hint at another location already on the horizon.

If you’re an entrepreneur, thinking about starting something, or just want to hear what real hunger and execution sounds like—this episode delivers.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Angela and Nicole turned an idea into a fast-growing brand in record time.

👉 Follow them here:
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube: @bondedlashbar
Website: www.bondedlashbar.com

👉 And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe to LocalBizCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms so you never miss the next big story before it blows up.

This is how brands are built today.

Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders

Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners, entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

From North Dakota to Norway to NJ | Fitness, Nutrition & the Mind with Sarah Hansson of FitSarah

This episode of LocalBizCast is the kind that changes how you think about health.

Dr. Pete sits down with FitSarah founder Sarah Hansson—a personal trainer who is so much more than a trainer. Sarah’s story is global, gritty, and deeply intentional, and her approach to health blends movement, nutrition, and mindset in a way few people truly master.

Sarah grew up in a small town in North Dakota, then made a bold leap to Norway, where she spent 14 years and opened the first and second Curves franchises in the country. That’s where she began training people—especially women—and learning how confidence, strength, and consistency can change lives.

When she returned to the U.S., Sarah opened her own private gym in Ramsey, NJ, and everything leveled up.

One specific client pushed her to go deeper—not just into workouts, but into nutrition. While not a nutritionist by title, Sarah immersed herself in the science, designed her own meal plans, and helped that client achieve remarkable results. That moment became a new pillar of her work—and a defining part of her brand.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Why nutrition is often the missing link in fitness results

• How Sarah programs workouts intentionally—the “why,” not just the “what”

• Timing, exercise selection, and adapting training to the individual

• The mental side of health, discipline, and long-term change

• What it really takes to help people sustain results, not just chase them

And then there’s the part most people don’t know…

Sarah has competed in fitness competitions, qualified for nationals, and from 2013–2016 was the oldest fitness model signed to Wilhelmina Models NYC—rewriting the rules on age, strength, and what’s possible. She also speaks three languages, bringing a global lens to how she coaches and connects.

Sarah’s mission is simple and powerful: keep finding new people to help, meet them where they are, and guide them toward a stronger, healthier life—physically and mentally.

If you’re into:

• Smart, intentional fitness

• Nutrition that actually works

• Women’s strength and longevity

• Mental resilience and discipline

• Real-world coaching, not gimmicks

…this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now to hear Sarah Hansson’s incredible journey and how FitSarah is helping people transform their health from the inside out.

👉 Like, follow, and subscribe to LocalBizCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major platforms so we can keep bringing you conversations that matter.

Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders

Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners, entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

Building a Brand That Keeps the World Moving | Michael Delevante, CEO of Rodo

This episode of LocalBizCast is a breakthrough moment.

Dr. Pete sits down with Michael Delevante, CEO of Rodo, a next-generation fitness brand built around one simple but powerful idea: help people move more, feel better, and keep doing what they love—longer.

Rodo isn’t just another fitness product company. It’s a movement brand, and Michael is one of the most thoughtful, passionate leaders we’ve had on the show.

Originally from Clifton, NJ, Michael graduated from NYU Stern School of Business and built his career in consumer products, including formative years at OXO, where design, usability, and obsessive attention to detail aren’t optional—they’re the standard. That’s also where he first met Nick Reynolds, a mechanical engineer who would later become the founder of Rodo.

Years later, their paths crossed again. What started as belief in an idea turned into investment, leadership, and a shared mission—Michael stepped in as CEO, helping transform Rodo from concept to brand with serious momentum.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Michael’s journey from OXO to startup CEO

• How Rodo was built with real people and real movement in mind

• Why fitness tools must integrate seamlessly into daily life

• The thinking, testing, and refinement behind Rodo’s 2-in-1 roller

• Material science, innovative silicone, dirt-resistant design, and smart engineering

• Why details matter—from how the balls attach to how it feels in your hands

• What it takes to build products that are easy to use and hard to stop using

This isn’t hype. It’s intentional design, thoughtful leadership, and genuine care for the end user.

Michael’s passion for Rodo, his team, and the community they’re building comes through loud and clear—and he even teases what’s next: two new product concepts launching this year, with several more already in development.

If you’re into:

• Fitness and recovery

• Product design and innovation

• Entrepreneurship and brand building

• Consumer products done right

• Or simply staying active so you can live better

…this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen to Michael Delevante’s story now and hear how Rodo is redefining movement, recovery, and everyday fitness.

👉 Please like, follow, and subscribe to LocalBizCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. It helps us grow the show and bring on even bigger conversations like this one.

Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders

Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners, entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders

Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners, entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

Building The Healing Hub: Modern Therapy, Real Conversations & Mental Health in a Digital World with Chelsea Hayet, LCSW

In this powerful and insightful episode of LocalBizCast, Dr. Pete sits down with Chelsea Hayet, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the founder of The Healing Hub, to explore her journey from high-intensity clinical work to building a thriving, fully virtual private practice.

Chelsea began her career in intensive outpatient and high-risk treatment settings, working daily with addiction, suicide ideation, and self-harm. While deeply meaningful, the emotional toll of that work was heavy. All along, she carried a dream—to open her own private practice, one that allowed for deeper connection, balance, and long-term impact.

In December 2024, Chelsea finally took the leap. She started The Healing Hub part-time, and within just a few months, demand and momentum allowed her to transition fully into private practice. Today, she works primarily with adults in their 20s to 40s, especially those navigating major life transitions—new careers, relationships, marriages, identity shifts, and the anxiety that often comes with them.

This episode dives into why anxiety and depression are more prevalent than ever, and how technology, constant connectivity, and social media have reshaped how people cope (and avoid). Chelsea explains how she helps clients build healthy coping mechanisms, reduce avoidance behaviors, and regain a sense of control—without judgment.

She also pulls back the curtain on the business side of therapy: how she built The Healing Hub, how she navigated the leap from employee to entrepreneur, and how partnering with her sister on social media helped grow a modern, accessible, all-virtual therapy practice that meets people where they are—literally in their own homes.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Chelsea’s transition from intensive outpatient care to private practice

• Why mental health challenges are rising in young adults

• How social media and devices impact anxiety and emotional regulation

• The importance of coping skills vs. avoidance

• Building a therapy practice from scratch in a digital world

• Why virtual therapy is changing access to mental health care

Chelsea speaks with clarity, compassion, and authenticity—and her passion for helping people live healthier, more grounded lives is felt in every minute of this conversation.

🎧 Listen to this episode if you’re navigating change, feeling overwhelmed, curious about modern therapy, or thinking about building a purpose-driven business of your own.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, follow, and subscribe to LocalBizCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. It helps us continue sharing meaningful conversations with incredible local professionals.And get it OK whatever get into your head I need to get out of bed

Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders

Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners, entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

From Furniture Builds to Full Home Inspections: Adam Tate of Advisory Home Inspection

In this episode of LocalBizCast, Dr. Pete sits down with Adam Tate, owner of Advisory Home Inspection, to talk about an unconventional—but incredibly logical—path into the home inspection world.

Adam didn’t start out inspecting homes. He started by building them—one piece of furniture at a time.

Through his furniture assembly business, Adam spent years inside homes putting together IKEA, Wayfair, and Amazon furniture, gaining firsthand exposure to how houses are actually put together (and sometimes… put together poorly). That hands-on experience sparked his interest in home systems, structures, and construction—and ultimately led him to pursue home inspection certification.

Adam took the courses, completed the training, and began working with a large home inspection company, where he learned the ropes at scale. Eventually, he took the leap and launched Advisory Home Inspection, bringing a detailed, methodical, and practical approach to buyers and homeowners across the region.

Today, Adam inspects everything from small condos and townhomes to massive 10,000+ sq ft homes. He explains what really goes into a quality inspection—and why they can range from 90 minutes to well over three hours, depending on the size, age, and complexity of the property.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How furniture assembly led to a career in home inspection

• What the home inspection process actually looks like

• Why experience inside homes matters just as much as certifications

• What buyers and sellers should expect during an inspection

• The biggest misconceptions people have about home inspectors

• Why Adam decided to build his own business instead of staying with a large firm

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, real estate professional, homeowner, or someone considering a career pivot, this episode offers practical insight into an often misunderstood but critical part of the home-buying process.

Listen to Adam’s story, learn what really happens during a home inspection, and why having the right inspector can make all the difference.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, follow, and subscribe to LocalBizCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major platforms—it helps us grow and continue sharing stories from incredible local business owners.

Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders

Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners, entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

Designing Homes, Not Just Rooms: The Journey of LA Home with Lindsay Altieri

In this episode of LocalBizCast, Dr. Pete sits down with Lindsay Altieri, the creative force behind LA Home, to unpack her inspiring path from New York’s Garment Center to building a thriving interior design business of her own.

Lindsay is originally from Tenafly, NJ and studied Business and Communication at Arizona State University before returning to New York to work in NYC. After stepping away from the workforce for six years to raise her children, she re-entered the business world in 2011—this time through her family’s furniture and retail store in Ridgewood, NJ. What started as helping in the store quickly evolved into something bigger.

Clients began asking for more than furniture. They wanted vision. They wanted guidance. They wanted someone who could see the whole space.

That’s where Lindsay’s design niche was born.

Over the years, her interior design work grew organically through the store—until it became clear it deserved its own spotlight. In 2022, LA Home officially launched, and the business has been taking off ever since.

In this episode, Lindsay breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in interior design:
you don’t need to be doing major construction to hire a designer.

Sometimes, a room can be completely transformed with:

• New paint

• Updated lighting

• Thoughtful furniture placement

• Fresh art, textures, and flooring

She also explains why, when you are tackling a larger project, working with a designer who has trusted vendor and contractor relationships is a massive advantage—saving time, money, and frustration.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Lindsay’s early career in NYC’s Garment Center

• Taking time off to raise a family—and reentering the workforce with purpose

• Growing a design business organically from a retail furniture store

• Launching LA Home and scaling a passion into a thriving brand

• How designers add value to both small refreshes and major renovations

• Why thoughtful design is about function, flow, and feeling—not just aesthetics

This conversation is packed with insight for homeowners, creatives, and entrepreneurs alike—and Lindsay’s passion for design shines through every story.