Upstate Impact

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Margaret Dietz, founder and Creative Director of M. Dietz Creative, to talk about all things branding and creativity. Margaret shares how she discovered her passion, what drives her process, and how she finds true joy in helping entrepreneurs discover and own their brand.

Luke sits down with Steve Case, founder and owner of Acropolis Realty Group, to talk about how his dream of becoming a real estate developer became a reality. Steve shares his early ambitions, how he got started, what drives his work today, and the projects that are helping shape the future of Syracuse.

Luke sits down with Brook Bregman, Coordinator of CNY Pickleball, to talk about her journey into the sport and what inspired her to help grow the game locally. Brook shares why pickleball is exploding in Central New York and across the country, and how community, accessibility, and fun are fueling its momentum.

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Michaela Kawryga, owner of The Emerson, Soul Society, and GlamSquadSyr, to talk about her entrepreneurial journey, the power of intuition, and how staying flexible has helped her grow three successful ventures. From managing a team to balancing life and business, this episode is packed with real talk, valuable lessons, and major inspiration.

Luke sits down with Adam Mazzoni, owner of Sweet on Chocolate, to hear the story of his early entrepreneurial journey and what ultimately led him to the chocolate business. Adam opens up about the challenges he faced in the beginning, how he overcame them, and the philosophy that guides both his business and his life today.

Luke sits down with Mike Greene, owner of Harvey’s Garden in downtown Syracuse, to discuss his journey as an entrepreneur, what he’s learned along the way, and how he's using hospitality to build community and create memorable experiences.

Luke sits down with Scott Gasparini, VP of Gasparini Landscaping, to discuss transforming outdoor spaces, tackling new construction and renovations, and the do’s and don’ts of hiring contractors.