WNY Entrepreneur

What does it take to turn a creative passion into a thriving business that truly serves your community? In this episode, we sit down with Eric Adams, founder of Picture Your Walls, to talk about how he built a unique business blending art, framing, and customer service—right here in Western New York.

Eric shares the lessons he’s learned after 15 years in business, including:

• Why relationships matter more than transactions

• The importance of customer experience in building long-term success

• How to stay relevant in a changing market

• Why showing up, listening, and serving can open doors you never expected

Whether you’re an artist, a creative entrepreneur, or someone looking to build a purpose-driven business, this episode will challenge and inspire you to think beyond the sale—and focus on impact.

Want to learn more about Eric and Picture Your Walls?
👉 Visit pictureyourwalls.net
👉 Connect with Eric on Instagram @pictureyourwalls

Owning a salon sounds like the dream—creative work, happy clients, and a team that feels like family. But what’s the reality behind the scenes?

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Charles, owner of Salon Justin Charles and BOGO Properties, to talk about the challenges most entrepreneurs don’t see. Justin shares the tough lessons he’s learned while building a salon business from the ground up:

• How to lead a team without micromanaging

• Why setting clear standards is non-negotiable

• The importance of saying no to protect your brand

• How to balance business growth with family and life

• Why owning a salon takes more than talent—it takes leadership

If you’re an entrepreneur in a service-based business—or dreaming of starting your own—this episode will give you the unfiltered, real-world perspective you need to build something that lasts.

Want to connect with Justin?
👉 Follow him on Instagram @salonjustincharles
👉 Visit salonjustincharles.com

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Mindel, Co-Owner of Williams Media and Houston Co, to talk about what it really takes to grow a marketing business—and what local entrepreneurs need to know before they dive into digital marketing, SEO, or scaling their team.

Jeremy shares hard-won lessons from the trenches: why SEO isn’t just a checkbox, how to protect your brand in a world full of marketing scams, and why the biggest threat to your business might be you.

You’ll hear the raw truth about:

• How to delegate effectively without losing quality

• Why process beats passion when it comes to scaling

• The hidden risks of affiliate marketing (and what to watch for)

• And why customer experience should be your best marketing tool

Whether you’re a small business owner, a solopreneur, or an entrepreneur building your team, this episode will challenge the way you think about growth—and give you practical questions to ask yourself before you hire a marketing partner.

Want to connect with Jeremy or learn more about Williams Media and Houston Co?
👉 Visit williamsmedia.co
👉 Email Jeremy at [email protected]

Listen in, take notes, and learn how to scale smarter.

Howard Cadmus is from downstate New York. After putting himself through college at Albany, he came to Western New York for law school and stayed in the area to work as an attorney. An entrepreneur at heart, in 2007, Howard started his own law firm and two years later started Oh Pour L'amour Du Chocolat.  He also purchased Jenny's that same year and started 1811 Comics in 2014. In 2020, he helped to launch Mizuchi Dojo.

Nick is rated the #1 Tour Guide in Niagara Falls and Winner of the Golden Buffalo Award for “Best Tour Event in America”. Nick’s favorite spot in Niagara Falls, besides at home with his wife and kids, is Luna Island.

"Niagara Falls is in my heart. Some days, I feel like this rushing water was put here for me. There are few things that I love more than my home. If before you leave, I can share just a glimpse of what this place means to me, you will fall in love too!"