“We’re not just teaching kids how to swim — we’re teaching parents, too. It’s about confidence, connection, and survival.” – JP Rodgers

This week on New York’s Business Podcast, I’m joined by JP Rodgers, founder of Rodgers Elite Aquatics, a premium private swim instruction company serving families across Long Island — and recently expanding into Miami.

What started as a high school job has grown into a mission-driven business grounded in safety, impact, and high-end service. JP brings over a decade of experience in the pool, along with a background in healthcare, a deep understanding of human connection, and an unwavering passion for helping kids thrive — in and out of the water.

In this episode, we dive into:

• How JP turned a side hustle into one of Long Island’s most sought-after swim lesson businesses

• Why he teaches both kids and parents during every session

• The critical life-saving skills every child should know — and why floaties may be doing more harm than good

• Using tech tools like Vagaro to scale a service business while staying organized

• Building a brand that honors your family name and creates generational impact

If you're a parent, a business owner, or someone who values turning purpose into profession, this one will hit home.

#NewYorkBusinessPodcast #SwimLessons #Entrepreneurship #LongIslandBusiness #RodgersEliteAquatics #SmallBusinessStories #FounderJourney #ChildSafety #BusinessWithPurpose

“I’m the ChatGPT of home automation — you give me the input, and I design a system that works for you.” – Jennifer ConaThis week on New York’s Business Podcast, we’re joined by Jennifer Cona, a 20-year veteran of ICC Automation, a smart home company serving clients from Montauk to Manhattan.Jennifer’s story is one of evolution — not just in tech, but in business. From starting out answering phones to now leading client strategy at a luxury automation firm, she’s a reminder that adaptability, consistency, and personal connection still drive growth.🎧 In this episode, we cover:How to pivot and stay relevant as your industry changesWhy business slowdowns are often just part of the natural cycleThe power of strong referrals and relationship-based marketingWhy embracing visibility as a business owner matters more than everHow she’s paving the way for more women in tech and tradesJennifer breaks down the trends, the tools, and the real conversations happening around modern business — from voice control and AI to building lasting client relationships in a high-expectation space.Whether you’re in tech, service, design, or just building something from the ground up — this one’s packed with relatable insight.🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.#NewYorksBusinessPodcast #SmartHomeBusiness #WomenInBusiness #BusinessLeadership #BusinessGrowth #LongIslandBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #WomenInTech #ICCautomation #JenniferCona #NYBusiness #SmallBusinessTips

When to Walk Away: Inside Bizzybcrafts' Powerful StoryMeet Brittany Shillingford, former owner of Bizzybcrafts, who joins us on this week's episode of New York’s Business Podcast for an open-hearted conversation about the realities—and tough decisions—behind running a thriving small business.Brittany’s journey is both inspiring and deeply relatable. She spent 12 years building her handmade headband business from a creative side hustle to a booming full-time venture, nearly reaching $1 million in sales at its peak. But success also came with unforeseen challenges, difficult predictions, and the pressures of balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood.In our candid discussion, Brittany shares:How she navigated explosive growth, transitioning from sewing every product herself to partnering with a small-batch manufacturer in Brooklyn.The emotional and financial stress of maintaining a business through fluctuating sales and rising costs.The moment she knew it was time to close Bizzybcrafts—and the complex feelings around that decision.How she pivoted back to her roots as a licensed therapist, rediscovering fulfillment in a new chapter.This episode dives deep into the honest truths about owning a business, including burnout, boundary-setting, and knowing when to walk away. Brittany’s story is one every entrepreneur, dreamer, and creator needs to hear—it's real, it’s raw, and it's incredibly empowering.Friends, family, and longtime fans of Brittany: you'll be incredibly proud of her courage, resilience, and transparency in this heartfelt conversation. We’re honored to share her story.#NewYorkBusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurLife #SmallBusinessStories #WomenInBusiness #Bizzybcrafts #BusinessPivot #LongIslandBusiness #MentalHealth #TherapistLife #RealTalk

Food Costs Are Out of Control — This Owner Fights BackFrom fine dining in the Hamptons to fast-casual tacos on Long Island — Tom Stein’s story is one of passion, adaptability, and community.On this episode of New York’s Business Podcast, Tom shares how he transitioned from high-end hospitality to creating a taco spot with heart. With locations in both Huntington and Syosset, he’s mastered the art of knowing your market — and adjusting when things don’t go as planned.We dive into:Why his business model had to completely change between locations less than 5 miles apartHow he blends fine dining hospitality with casual serviceThe challenges of hiring in fast casual vs. fine dining — and how he cultivates team buy-inThe reality behind food costs, margins, and why $6 tacos aren’t making anyone richBuilding customer loyalty in a world where one bad review can cost you hundredsIf you're a business owner, restaurant operator, or just love a good behind-the-scenes look at entrepreneurship — this one’s for you.🎙️ Tap the link in bio to hear Tom’s full story — and discover more from the business owners shaping New York.#NewYorkBusinessPodcast #TommyTacos #LongIslandEats #RestaurantOwner #HospitalityBusiness #FoodEntrepreneur #EatLocal #BusinessPodcast #JacobRestituto #SupportLocal #BehindTheScenes #BusinessGrowth #AdaptAndOvercome #SmallBusinessOwner

Guac Shop’s Rise: What the Competition Doesn’t Do | The Secret Sauce Behind Their Rapid GrowthOn this week’s episode of New York’s Business Podcast, I sit down with Luke Tesoriero, co-owner and managing partner of Guac Shop Mexican Grill — a fast-casual restaurant redefining what it means to serve clean, crave-worthy food at scale.Launched in 2018 by Luke and his brother Matt, Guac Shop has grown from a single location in Garden City, NY to multiple stores across Long Island and Florida, all while staying rooted in family values, scratch cooking, and a growth mindset culture.🎙 In this episode, we dive into:How they built a team culture around growth and leadershipWhy Guac Shop doesn’t even own freezers — and what that means for qualityThe guerrilla marketing strategy that’s more about relationships than ad spendWhat it really takes to expand to multiple locations across statesSmart delivery strategies using white-labeled tech to avoid third-party headachesLeading the way in clean eating — think avocado oil, no seed oils, and daily fresh prepCreating loyalty through personalized service, not just punch cardsWhether you're a restaurant owner, team leader, or just passionate about building brands with integrity — this episode is packed with lessons.🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.📍Filmed at Guac Shop’s newest location in Commack, NY — their first in Suffolk County.#NewYorksBusinessPodcast #GuacShop #RestaurantBusiness #FamilyBusiness #CleanEating #BusinessPodcast #FastCasual #Entrepreneurship #LongIslandBusiness #FoodBusiness #PodcastInterview #ScalingUp #RestaurantMarketing #BusinessCulture

This week on New York’s Business Podcast, we’re joined by Lindsay Langella, Esq.—a fierce litigator, second-generation attorney, and one of the driving forces behind Langella & Langella, a personal injury firm based in Hauppauge.

After cutting her teeth as a prosecutor and working in both insurance defense and plaintiff-side law, Lindsay made the bold move to join her father’s long-standing firm. But she didn’t just step in—she stepped up.

In this episode, Lindsay opens up about:
• Working alongside her father while modernizing a 40-year-old law practice
• Building her own brand through strategic marketing and personal storytelling
• Turning social media into a real referral engine for legal clients
• The importance of mentorship—and why she’s launching a program called Lead Her to inspire the next generation of women in law
• What most people get wrong about small firms vs. big firms—and how personal connection can make all the difference

If you know Lindsay, this conversation will make you even prouder of her. And if you don’t? You’ll want to follow her journey.

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#NewYorksBusinessPodcast #LindsayLangella #LangellaAndLangella #WomenInLaw #PersonalInjuryAttorney #FamilyBusiness #MentorshipMatters #LegalMarketing #LongIslandBusiness #LeadHer #SmallFirmBigImpact #LongIslandLawyer

Meet Karen Sullivan, the founder of The Wellness Stop in Port Jefferson.

Karen is a:
• Certified functional medicine coach• 28-year cancer survivor• Founder of a thriving retail wellness space that’s way more than just a store

For nearly two decades, Karen has been helping people feel better—not by masking symptoms, but by digging into why they’re feeling off in the first place. From hormone imbalance to gut health to chronic fatigue, she helps her clients reclaim their energy and clarity through nutrition, education, and personalized support.

In this episode, we dive into:
• Why she left retirement to open a brick-and-mortar store at 57
• The Wellness Stop as a community hub—offering nutrition classes, book clubs, and wellness panels
• Her “marriage mindset” around combining functional and modern medicine
• The truth about GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic) and how they should really be used
• How mainstream media is finally catching up with what she’s been saying for 18 years
• What she believes are the first 3 steps everyone should take to start their health journey
• Why business is personal when it’s driven by purpose

Whether you’re health-curious, already on a wellness path, or just love a story about community-driven entrepreneurship—this one’s for you.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.
📍 Visit The Wellness Stop in downtown Port Jefferson, NY.

#NewYorksBusinessPodcast #KarenSullivan #TheWellnessStop #FunctionalMedicine #Entrepreneurship #HolisticHealth #WomenInBusiness #PortJefferson #WellnessCoach #SmallBusinessNY #CleanLiving #BusinessWithPurpose #CommunityFirst

This week on New York’s Business Podcast, I sat down with Nelson Nigel, founder of Kid Moto — a game-changing rideshare service with pre-installed car seats, now in 60+ U.S. cities.Nelson went from driving yellow cabs to becoming a certified Child Passenger Safety technician… and realized no one was solving the travel nightmare parents face when flying with kids.Instead of waiting for Uber or taxis to figure it out — he built his own app.In this episode:• Why “the riches are in the niches”• How Kid Moto fills a gap the big players missed• The importance of SEO + search intent in niche marketing• Why influencer marketing isn’t always the move• New spin-offs: Baby Moto + Bus MotoIf you're a parent, entrepreneur, or startup founder — this one's for you.🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.#NewYorksBusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #KidMoto #FounderStory #ParentLifeHack #CabDriverToCEO #PodcastClips #StartupPodcast #BusinessTips #NYCBusiness

She walked away from teaching—with no plan…

…and built a business painting windows, murals, and coloring books that now ships worldwide.

This week on New York’s Business Podcast, we sit down with @ArtByMichelleMarie—aka Michelle Ammann—a former elementary school teacher turned full-time artist and entrepreneur.

In this episode, Michelle opens up about:

• Why she left teaching without knowing what was next

• Painting windows at her parents’ house just to build a portfolio

• Landing her first storefront gig with no formal plan—just pure hustle

• Growing a seasonal mural and window-painting business across Long Island

• Turning coloring books into a major revenue stream (hello, international shipping!)

• Hiring her mom as “Head of Shipping”

• Getting her work counterfeited—and what that actually meant for her growth

Michelle’s story is proof that you don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to start.

Check out the full episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.

Follow @NewYorksBusinessPodcast for more real stories from real business owners.

#EntrepreneurLife #SmallBusinessStory #ArtistToEntrepreneur #LongIslandBusiness #CreativeBusiness #MuralArtist #WindowArt #ColoringBookArtist #WomenInBusiness #BusinessPodcast #StartupJourney #FromTeacherToCEO #PassionToProfit #MadeOnLongIsland #SupportLocalArtists #BehindTheBusiness #ArtBusiness #SideHustleSuccess #ViralBusiness #SelfMadeCreative

Rethinking Healthcare: Healing Beyond the Surface

In this episode of New York’s Business Podcast, I sit down with Northport native and Doctor of Physical Therapy, Patrick Gathman — the founder of Movement Headquarters, a growing physical therapy practice that’s transforming how patients receive care.

After working within the traditional insurance-based system, Patrick saw firsthand how limited time with patients and high-volume expectations often lead to burnout for providers and mediocre outcomes for clients. Instead of settling, he chose to build something different — a personalized, whole-body, out-of-network care model focused on real results, not rushed visits.

Today, with multiple locations across Long Island, a growing team, and an eye on the future of hybrid care, Patrick shares what it took to build his practice from the ground up — starting from the corner of a CrossFit gym during the height of the pandemic.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between insurance-based and out-of-network physical therapy

• Why quality care starts with time, trust, and the whole body — not just the injury

• The SDS method: Stress, Diet, Sleep — and why it’s the foundation of healing

• Building a strong team and culture across multiple clinic locations

• The role of authentic social media in building patient relationships

• Why hybrid and online models are the next evolution in PT care

If you’re a business owner, healthcare professional, or just someone passionate about wellness and leadership, this episode is packed with insight and practical wisdom.

#NewYorkBusinessPodcast #PhysicalTherapy #SmallBusinessOwner #OutOfNetworkCare #FunctionalHealth #SDSMethod #LongIslandBusiness #HealthcareLeadership #MovementHeadquarters #Entrepreneurship #WellnessBusiness #BusinessGrowth #HolisticHealth