In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Allison Raffaele, CEO of Medical Health Associates of Western New York (MHA), to explore the realities of leading a healthcare organization that balances independence, compliance, and community connection. Allison shares her winding career path — from surgical technology to animal hospital administration — and the pivotal Pain Points that shaped her leadership journey.

Together, Lauren and Allison dive into:

• The Pain Points of transitioning into a CEO role with “big shoes to fill”
• Leading multiple independent offices while balancing autonomy and compliance
• Overcoming communication challenges across teams and locations
• Building trust during leadership transitions and encouraging authentic feedback
• The financial and operational Pain Points of running private practices in a corporate-heavy healthcare landscape
• The power of storytelling through Allison’s Chronicles of a CEO series on LinkedIn

From reimagining billing operations to navigating compliance in pediatric care, Allison reveals how Medical Health Associates has preserved a “private practice feel” while growing into one of the region’s most unique healthcare models.

Connect with Medical Health Associates & Allison Raffaele

Website: WNY's Pediatric Care, Pediatricians | Medical Health Associates of WNY

LinkedIn: Medical Health Associates of WNY

Follow Allison Raffaele on LinkedIn

Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast

Website: https://staffbuffalo.com

Pain Points Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

LinkedIn: StaffBuffalo

Instagram: @StaffBuffalo

Facebook: StaffBuffalo

YouTube: StaffBuffalo

This episode highlights the reality that every leader has Pain Points, whether it’s filling big shoes, managing communication gaps, or balancing tradition with innovation. Tune in for insights into leadership, healthcare, and building trust in times of transition.

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with MarioRodriguez, President of Forseti Protection Group, a full-service security company that’s redefining what it means to keep people, property, and organizations safe.

Founded in 2012, Forseti Protection Group was born from the belief that clients deserve more than box-checking and basic protection—they deserve peace of mind. With a team built on military and law enforcement experience, Forseti approaches every challenge with the mindset that security is ultimately built on trust.

In this conversation, Lauren and Mario dive into:

• The Pain Points of reactive vs. proactive security - and why most businesses call after something bad happens
• Innovation over intimidation: how new technology like ballistic doors and biometric access is changing the landscape
• Navigating compliance-heavy industries like cannabis and nonprofits while keeping people safe
• Cybersecurity Pain Points: phishing, scams, AI-driven threats, and human errors that put businesses at risk
• The entrepreneurial journey: payroll panic, proposal turnaround times, SOPs, and scaling across state lines
• Why networking, community, and authentic relationships are just as critical to success as any business strategy

From handling multi-million-dollar security grants to training over 1,000 employees in a week, Mario shares how Forseti has grown into a trusted partner for schools, nonprofits, manufacturers, and national brands. He also gets real about the Pain Points of running a business - wearing too many hats, building the right team, and staying organized under pressure.

Connect with Forseti Protection Group & Mario Rodriguez:

• Website: https://forsetiprotection.com

• LinkedIn: Forseti Protection Group

This episode highlights the reality that everybusiness has security Pain Points and ignoring them can be costly. Tune in for insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and keeping your organization secure in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Beth Clark, third-generation owner of Bridal Chateau, a beloved local bridal shop that’s been serving brides for nearly 50 years.

Beth shares the evolution of the business her grandmother started—from a small in-home operation to a leading bridal destination that’s focused on experience, inclusion, and authenticity.

Together, they explore the Pain Points of keeping a legacy business relevant, creating space for every bride, and adapting to the ever-changing bridal industry.

This episode covers:      

• The Pain Points of shifting business models after COVID
• Why true size inclusivity means carrying 500+ dresses in sizes 0–40 
• What really goes into customizing a dress for a perfect fit
• The challenges of sourcing quality over quantity in a fast-fashion world
• How Bridal Chateau supports neurodivergent and disabled brides     
• Strategies for standing out in a saturated and highly emotional industry
• Building trust through transparency, education, and hands-on care

Beth gets honest about evolving expectations, pressure from mass-market retailers, and how she balances tradition with progress.

Whether you're a bride, in retail, hospitality, or just love a good family business story, this conversation is full of insight, heart, and real behind-the scenes perspective.

Connect with Bridal Chateau:

Williamsville, NY

https://bridalchateauinc.com

Instagram: @bridalchateau

Appointments preferred – book online or call the shop!

Connect with StaffBuffalo:https://staffbuffalo.com

Career Chats: https://staffbuffalo.com/career-chats

Open Jobs: https://staffbuffalo.com/jobs

Don't miss this episode on how a local bridal shop is redefining confidence, connection, and what it really means to say “yes to the dress.”

In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with Steve McMorrow, Founder of the Buffalo Cannabis Network (BCN) and longtime advocate for cannabis normalization and education. 

Steve shares his cross-country journey from LA film schoolto launching a cleaning company for grow facilities in Colorado, to ultimately returning to Buffalo to build an inclusive and informed cannabis ecosystem. Together, Maggie and Steve dive into the real Pain Points of trying to grow something meaningful in a space that’s still misunderstood: 

• How outdated stigma and public confusion keep people from engaging 
• The hidden hurdles of shadow banning and restricted cannabis marketing 
• Why so many businesses don’t realize they can - and should - serve this industry 
• The challenge of building trust and consistency throughevents 
• How to connect the dots between policy, access, andopportunity 
• Turning small meetups into a real movement of support and visibility 
• Why Buffalo’s cannabis scene needs community more than ever 

Steve also shares real feedback from growers andentrepreneurs whose pain points were solved by just showing up - and why that’s the whole point.

If you're trying to enter the cannabis space, support it, orsimply understand it better, this episode is your invitation in. 

Connect with Steve McMorrow & Buffalo CannabisNetwork: 

Website: https://buffalocannabisnetwork.com 

Instagram: @buffalocannabisnetwork 

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with StaffBuffalo & CannaWorkforce Solutions: 

StaffBuffalo: https://staffbuffalo.com 

CannaWorkforce Solutions: https://cannaworkforcesolutions.com 

Career Chats: https://staffbuffalo.com/career-chats 

Open Jobs: https://staffbuffalo.com/jobs 

In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with creative strategist and community leader Lindsay Taylor (Director of Advancement & Development, Buffalo PAL; Founder, Beau Fleuve Music & Arts). 

Lindsay shares his journey from organizing school trips andparties to launching multi-city festivals, community programs, and one of Buffalo’s most dynamic “third spaces.” Together, Maggie and Lindsay dig into the Pain Points of scaling big ideas, sustaining energy, and buildingorganizations that last: 

• The pain points of communicating your mission so everyone “gets it” 
• Fundraising and partnership hurdles in tough economic times 
• Balancing a demanding “day job” with creative pursuits and nonprofit leadership 
• Building authentic relationships that go beyond networking—and why they’re crucial to success 
• Why creatives need both vision and execution to move forward 
• Learning to “marinate” on ideas and focus on what matters most 
• Creating new opportunities for connection and culture in Buffalo’s post-pandemic landscape

Lindsay shares practical advice on navigating setbacks,staying persistent and making real impact through collaboration. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, growing a business, or dreaming up your next project, this episode brings actionable insight from someone who’s been in thetrenches. 

Connect with Lindsay Taylor, His Work, and His Projects: 

• Lindsay Taylor (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseyltaylor/
• Buffalo PAL: https://buffalopal.com
• Beau Fleuve Music & Arts:@beaufleuvemusicarts 

Don’t miss this real look at the Pain Points—and thepayoffs—of building community, connection, and creative endeavors in Buffalo! 

In this episode, Lauren Lewis of StaffBuffalo sits down with fellow woman-owned business leader Danielle Bickel, founder of Strokes Painting & Contracting.  

Danielle shares her journey launching Strokes during the height of the pandemic, from working around the kitchen table to managing 14 crews and opening a dedicated shop. With a commitment to integrity, transparency, and culture, Danielle is redefining what it means to lead in the trades.  

You’ll hear:  

• What it really takes to launch and grow a trades business as a woman  
• The pain points of building trust in an industry full of “Dan in a Van” stories  
• Why culture fit beats experience—and how to hire accordingly  
• How offering PTO, 401(k), and options for career growth change employee retention  
• The benefit of building a business with your values—and your family—at the center  
• This is a powerful conversation between two women-owned businesses working to build inclusive, forward-thinking teams that lead with impact.  

🔗 Connect with Danielle Bickel and Strokes Painting & Contracting  

Website: https://paintwithstrokes.com  

Phone: 1-833-GET-STROKES  

Instagram: @strokespaintingwny  

🔗 Connect with StaffBuffalo (Women-Owned Staffing & HR)  

Website: https://staffbuffalo.com  

Jobs: https://staffbuffalo.com/jobs  

Podcast: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints  

Instagram: @staffbuffalo  

LinkedIn: StaffBuffalo  

YouTube: @StaffBuffalo  

Don’t miss this inspiring look at how women-owned businesses are changing the game—one Pain Point at a time.

In this transparent and compelling episode, host Maggie Shea visits East Leaf Dispensary, a woman- and family owned, New York State licensed adult-use cannabis retailer in Cheektowaga, NY. Maggie sits down with co-owner, Gina Miller, and team member, Taylor Smith, to dive deep into the real Pain Points of navigating a brand-new cannabis dispensary from scratch. 

From opening a thriving liquor store to opening one of Buffalo’s first fully legal dispensaries, Gina and Taylor share the ups and downs of launching a cannabis business — all while combatting stigma, building customer trust, educating first-time buyers, and managing shifting state regulations. 

We cover: 

• The legacy-to-legal journey and what it really took to launch 
• Pain Points of misinformation, compliance chaos, and stigma 
• How East Leaf educates customers overwhelmed by 500+ brands 
• Creating community connections in a misunderstood environment 
• The reality of vendor selection, inventory decisions, and product variety 
• Competing with the illicit market while staying compliant and transparent 
• Supporting small NYS cultivators and staying rooted in WNY values 
• Building a team that represents the brand — and the community 

Whether you're cannabis-curious, an industry insider, or simply love a great small business story, this episode highlights resilience, grit, and purpose in action. 

📍 Visit East Leaf Dispensary: 

2442 Clinton Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 

Shop Online + Order Delivery: 

https://www.eastleafdispensary.com 

Download the East Leaf App on iOS & Android 

COMING SOON: New location opening in East Aurora, NY – Fall 2025! 

Watch the classic 1936 film Reefer Madness: Reefer Madness (1936) Cult Classic | Full Movie | Subtitled 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposesonly and is not a substitute for medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. 

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, host LaurenLewis sits down with Tom Akers — founder of Renew Bath + Body and Junk Free Skin — for a raw and insightful discussion on the real Pain Points behind sustainability, innovation, and scaling a purpose-driven business. 

After leaving the fast-food world (yes, he once ownedmultiple Taco Bell and KFC locations), Tom found himself at a crossroads. With a passion for clean skincare and a desire to do something meaningful, he opened Renew Bath + Body in Buffalo, NY. What started as a storefront soon evolvedinto a full-blown manufacturing operation creating water soluble, zero-waste personal care pods designed to eliminate plastic waste. 

We cover: 

• The personal Pain Points that sparked a skincare revolution 
• The staggering truth: by 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than sea life 
• How Renew Bath + Body’s pod-based hand soap and body wash is disrupting outdated models 
• Innovating through failure — and how persistence (and donuts) won over international partners 
• The challenge of educating consumers and creating behavior change 
• Landing top-shelf placement at Wegmans and scaling manufacturing operations in Buffalo 
• Why compostable packaging and refillable dispensers matter more than ever 
• The future of sustainable production and how manufacturing consultants and strategy Shift are helping them scale effectively 

If you care about clean products, plastic-free living, andgame-changing innovation from passionate founders, this episode is a must-watch. 

Explore Products: https://www.renewbathandbody.com 

Learn More: https://www.jfskin.com 

Follow Renew Bath + Body’s journey:

 https://www.instagram.com/renewbathandbody 

Connect with Tom Akers:  Tom Akers | LinkedIn 

📍 Based in WNY? Find Renew Bath + Body's products in 100+ Wegmans locations! 

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe soyou never miss a new Pain Points Podcast episode. 

In this episode, Lauren Lewis and Maggie Shea dive deep with Dustin Snyder, founder of Wayforward Associates, to uncover the most common Pain Points that keep companies stuck in cycles of disengagement, turnover, and missed opportunities. 

Dustin shares his journey from labor relations to consultingand reveals the game-changing strategies he uses to help companies identify and resolve the root causes of their biggest Pain Points. You’ll learn how to spot warning signs before they spiral out of control, build a culture whereemployees thrive, and leverage feedback as a powerful tool for growth. 

Ready to stop bleeding talent and start building a winningteam? 

Tune in now for actionable insights and fresh perspectivesthat could transform how you do business. 

🔗 Connect with Dustin Snyder 

🔗 Discover StaffBuffalo’s Recruiting andHR Services 

In this deep and engaging conversation, Maggie sits down with Elle Musialowski, CFO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, to talk about the real Pain Points that arise along a high-powered finance and accounting career — and how to move through them with intention, reflection, and authenticity. 

From early beginnings in public accounting to traveling the globe with Praxair/Linde, Elle shares her journey through corporate growth, imposter syndrome, burnout, boundary-setting, and ultimately rediscovering purpose in mission-driven nonprofit work. 

Topics covered include: 

• Finding your career path through internships and networking 
• Navigating Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance and global mergers 
• Identifying the moment when your Pain Points signal a needed change 
• Transitioning from Public Accounting to private sector to nonprofit sectors 
• Setting healthy workplace boundaries (hello, Desk Day Fridays!) 
• Aligning your career with your Life Vision 
• The unique financial and philanthropic operations of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo 

This episode is for every professional who's ever questioned their trajectory, battled burnout, or tried to balance passion and practicality. Don’t miss Elle’s wisdom about becoming your best advocate, recognizing the signs of change, and embracing your own unique “green zone”!

Connect with Elle: 

Learn more about the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo 

Follow Ellen Musialowski on LinkedIn