In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Gifune, a fourth-generation entrepreneur out of Rome, NY, who’s help turn his family's 80-year-old lumber business into a full-blown local business empire. From innovating at Rome General Lumber to launching everything from Bain’s Barbell Club to dumpster rentals to Lou’s Bargain Outlet, Anthony is the kind of guy who runs on coffee, hustle, and zero excuses.
He’s equal parts business-savvy and brutally honest — and he shares what it really takes to build something from scratch, manage multiple ventures, and stay grounded while chasing big dreams in the 315.
💬 Tune in to hear:
- How Anthony scaled back a million dollars in sales to actually make more money
- The unexpected story behind why he started his own private powerlifting gym
- What it takes to juggle three full-time businesses with a “three-day-in-one” mindset
- Why customer service and family legacy still matter more than big-box pricing
- His candid advice on entrepreneurship, trade school, failure, and building a life on your own terms
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This episode is packed with insight, real talk, and plenty of laughs — whether you're a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who loves rooting for a hometown story 💪📦🛠️
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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Scott's Intro
(1:15) - Why Central New York Will Always Be Home
(2:00) - The 80-Year Family Business Legacy of Rome General Lumber
(3:00) - Finding the Sweet Spot in Business: Less Volume, More Margin
(4:45) - Working with Family: Anthony’s Relationship with His Dad
(6:00) - Evolving with the Times: Social Media Over Print
(7:15) - Big Box Competition and Why Home Depot Didn’t Last in Rome
(8:45) - The Power of Customer Service in Small Business
(10:00) - Inside Lou’s Bargain Outlet: Scratch & Dent Deals That Work
(12:00) - Better Margins, Smarter Strategy: Why Bargain Goods Make Sense
(14:00) - Launching A&J Dumpster Rentals: From Flipping Houses to Dumpsters
(17:00) - The Three-Day Mindset: How Anthony Divides His Day into Thirds
(18:30) - Growing Fast: More Dumpsters, More Demand
(22:20) - On Being a Boss: Keeping Employees Happy & Treated Like Family
(25:00) - Bane's Barbell Club
(27:00) - Why the Gym is a Club, Not a Business
(30:25) - Keeping a Small Circle
(30:45) - Work Life Integration
(35:00) - Caffeine & Nicotine
(38:30) - Maximizing What You Have > Optimal
(40:00) - Personal Growth and Life After Addiction
(41:30) - Life Experience & Learning
(44:00) - Rapid Fire: Coffee, Rigs, Integrity, and Lessons Learned
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Anthony's Links
Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/general_anthonyg
RGL Website - https://romegenerallumber.com
RGL Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/romegenerallumber
Lou's Website - https://lousbargainbarn.com
Lou's FB - https://www.facebook.com/lousbargainbarn
Bane's Barbell Club - https://www.instagram.com/banesbarbellclub
A & J Dumpsters - https://www.aandjdumpsters.com
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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - [email protected]
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
