WNY Entrepreneur

Imagine launching your business one week before the world shut down.That’s exactly what Robb Everhart did. As co-founder of Fairway Home Mortgage in Rochester, NY, Robb and his wife opened their doors just days before the COVID lockdowns began in 2020.But that’s just one chapter in a story shaped by two decades of leadership in the mortgage world—navigating market crashes, scaling teams, learning hard lessons in hiring, and redefining what success really means.In this episode, Robb gets real about the cost of playing a role, the power of mentorship, and the growth that comes when you finally decide to lead with authenticity.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How launching a business during a global shutdown taught Robb to lead with calm, clarity, and confidence✅ Why being inauthentic early in business cost him years of progress—and what finally helped him find his voice✅ How to recognize when a partnership or hire isn’t right (and why ignoring your gut can quietly derail your culture)✅ The question a mentor asked that changed how he leads his team✅ Why being a strong communicator is a superpower in high-stakes industries like finance✅ How coaching baseball and navigating divorce shaped his view on leadership and legacy✅ The biggest hiring lesson Robb learned—and how slowing down actually speeds up growth✅ What entrepreneurs can learn from the evolution of lending—from cold calls to AI tools✅ Why staying true to your values is harder—but always worth it✅ How defining your mission helps you grow with clarity, even when the world around you is in chaos🎧 If you’ve ever felt pulled between who you think you should be in business and who you really are, this episode will remind you: growth starts with getting honest—and it’s never too late to lead differently.

What happens when success on paper doesn’t feel like success in real life?In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Dan Greco, founder of Most Alive, to talk about the uncomfortable but powerful moment he walked away from a high-ranking corporate career to build something more meaningful.Dan shares how his personal turning point became the foundation for a business that now helps other high-performing entrepreneurs find clarity, fulfillment, and forward momentum. This isn’t just a story about leaving a job—it’s about breaking free from limiting stories, realigning your values, and learning how to lead with purpose.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why Dan walked away from a senior VP role at M&T Bank to launch Most Alive✅ The surprising reason high achievers often feel stuck or unfulfilled✅ How to recognize when frustration outweighs fulfillment—and what to do about it✅ The coaching framework he uses to help entrepreneurs turn chaos into clarity✅ Why “asking why” the right way can unlock deeper motivation and direction✅ How limiting beliefs—not lack of resources—hold most business owners back✅ What failure taught him about feedback, humility, and long-term growth🎧 If you’ve ever felt like something’s missing — even when things are “going well” — this conversation will hit home. Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that true success starts with self-awareness.

What if you could build a thriving real estate business — without owning a single property?In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Christian Bauman, founder of Buffalo Corporate Housing, to hear how he went from broke college dropout at 21 to managing over 50 fully furnished rental units across Western New York.Christian breaks down the strategy behind his rapid growth in the midterm rental market, why he bet on Buffalo instead of short-term Airbnb plays, and how one networking event changed everything. From bootstrapping and subleasing legally to surviving COVID and scaling with zero marketing budget, this episode is packed with practical advice and mindset shifts for any business owner ready to grow without the traditional blueprint.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How Christian went from dropping out of college to managing 50+ rentals✅ Why midterm rentals are a smart alternative to short-term Airbnb✅ His simple but powerful pitch to get landlords on board with subleasing✅ How to scale a service-based business without owning assets✅ The lessons he learned during COVID and how Buffalo’s rental climate shaped his strategy✅ Why showing up to local events built his entire business network✅ The mindset that helped him push through tragedy and stay focused on growth🎧 If you're thinking differently about real estate, revenue streams, or building something from scratch—this episode will give you the spark you need.

Rob Picone’s entrepreneurial story isn’t one of overnight success—it’s one of grit, humility, and learning the hard way. After being audited twice and nearly losing everything, Rob turned things around to build a multimillion-dollar business with over 30 employees. Now, he’s sharing the lessons most business owners learn too late.In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, Rob opens up about the financial missteps that nearly sank his company, the systems that keep him sane today, and how empathy became his greatest leadership asset.Whether you’re in a blue-collar trade or scaling a professional service, this conversation is packed with relatable, real-world advice on protecting your business, building a loyal team, and staying grounded while you grow.You’ll learn:✅ How Rob went from nearly losing it all to building a multimillion-dollar operation✅ The CPA mistake that almost cost him his business—and how to choose the right financial partners✅ Simple systems he uses now to stay compliant and focused✅ What leading a team of 30+ taught him about loyalty and leadership✅ Why empathy is his leadership superpower—and how he avoids burnout✅ How professionalism creates trust, even in blue-collar industries✅ The mindset shift that took him from hustle mode to long-term strategy🎧 Listen in and learn from someone who’s been in the trenches—and came out stronger.

What happens when a business opportunity keeps showing up—and you finally say yes? For Travis Matheny, that moment changed everything.In this episode, Travis shares the real story behind his journey from reluctant entrepreneur to confident business owner and leader. With honesty and clarity, he breaks down the mistakes he made, the turning points that helped him grow, and the systems and mindset shifts that allowed him to scale without burning out.If you're building a team, making tough calls, or struggling to get out of the weeds in your business—this one's for you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- Why the third “ask” was the charm—and how saying yes at the right time launched his business- The biggest leadership mistake Travis made early on (and how he fixed it)- How to handle it when your people stop growing with you- The question he now asks himself before every hard conversation- How simple systems helped him escape reactive mode and think like a CEO- Why culture always wins—even in a saturated market- The personal habits and accountability practices that keep him grounded and growingTravis doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of entrepreneurship—but he also proves that with the right tools and mindset, you can grow a business that’s both sustainable and fulfilling.🎧 Listen in for honest leadership lessons, growth strategies, and the kind of advice most business owners wish they heard sooner.

In this episode, we talk with Vanessa Palumbo, franchise owner of Dream Vacations, about how she turned a background in caregiving and family management into a thriving, service-first business in one of the most competitive industries out there.Vanessa shares how she leveraged relationship-building, strategic networking, and repeatable systems—not big marketing budgets—to create consistent growth and long-term client retention. Her story is a case study in how to bet on yourself, build trust at scale, and turn everyday strengths into entrepreneurial assets.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:-Why she trained for her new business while the travel industry was shut down-How a service-first mindset helped her rise above the noise-What most people get wrong about travel agents—and how she adds value without adding cost-How she built a loyal client base through referrals, responsiveness, and trust-Why local networking (the right way) moved her business forward faster, even when it pushed her outside of her comfort zone-The backend systems and personal habits she uses to stay focused and grow sustainablyIf you’ve ever wondered whether you need a huge marketing machine or perfect timing to grow a business—you’ll want to hear Vanessa’s take. This episode is packed with practical insight, especially for entrepreneurs building their business from the ground up or navigating a crowded space.

Hiring the right people can make or break your business. In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Lewis, Co-owner of StaffBuffalo, to go behind the scenes of smart hiring and uncover what business owners need to know about building teams that truly help them grow. Lauren brings her expertise from years of working with companies across Western New York, helping them find top talent and avoid costly mistakes in the hiring process.Lauren shares real-world insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how business owners can shift their mindset when it comes to recruiting and retaining employees. With a passion for supporting local businesses, she gives practical strategies that any entrepreneur can apply right away.What Business Owners Will Learn in This Episode:Why hiring is more than just filling a seat and how to find employees who fit your cultureThe most common hiring mistakes entrepreneurs make and how to avoid themHow StaffBuffalo helps businesses save time and money with the right talent solutionsWhat local businesses in WNY are doing to attract and keep top talentWhy investing in your team is the key to scaling your business long term.

Entrepreneurs are wired to hustle, but what if the real growth strategy is slowing down? In this episode, Nicole Chumsky, founder of Be Embodied, LLC and The Mindfulness Alliance, shares how mindfulness practices can shift the way business owners lead, make decisions, and handle stress. Drawing from her work in embodiment and mindfulness-based coaching, Nicole explains why awareness is not a luxury but a competitive advantage in today’s business world.What Business Owners Will Learn:Why self awareness is directly linked to better business outcomesHow mindfulness practices can reduce stress and increase clarity in decision makingThe hidden costs of ignoring your mental and emotional well-being as an entrepreneurPractical tools business owners can use daily to stay grounded in the middle of chaosHow embodied leadership creates healthier teams and stronger company culture.

Planning ahead is not just about family care — it is also a principle that can transform how you run your business. In this episode, I talk with Ann Marie Klosko, owner of Eldercare Transition Consulting, about the powerful lessons entrepreneurs can learn from helping families navigate eldercare transitions.Ann Marie shares real world stories of what happens when families plan ahead — and when they don’t. The parallels for business owners are striking: ignoring tough conversations or avoiding decisions can create chaos, while thoughtful preparation leads to smoother outcomes.Her insights will challenge you to think differently about leadership, planning, and decision making, both at home and in your business.What Business Owners Will Learn in This Episode:How planning for difficult situations in advance reduces stress and conflictWhy avoidance is one of the costliest mistakes leaders make — in family and in businessThe role of communication and transparency in making transitions smootherLessons from family dynamics that translate into building healthier teamsHow facing uncomfortable realities can set your business up for long term success📞 To connect with Ann Marie directly, you can reach her at 716-440-0933.

What does it really take to launch a professional sports team—and why would someone do it without a blueprint? In this episode, we sit down with Kayla Crosby, the powerhouse founder behind the Jamestown Jackals, a professional basketball team with a mission rooted in character, community, and impact.Kayla shares how she turned a bold idea into a real franchise, why integrity and faith guided every step, and how she balances business with purpose. Whether you're building a brand, leading a team, or chasing a vision others don’t understand yet, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.You’ll hear:The early struggles and unlikely wins that shaped her journeyHow to lead with values while growing something sustainableWhy community connection is key to long-term successReal advice for entrepreneurs walking into uncharted territoryListen in and get inspired by what’s possible when you lead with conviction, serve others first, and bet on yourself—just like Kayla Crosby, Founder of the Jamestown Jackals.

How do you take a homemade cracker recipe and turn it into an internationally recognized brand—and win one of the biggest startup competitions in the world while you’re at it? In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Brady, Founder of Top Seedz, to unpack how she went from baking in her kitchen to winning 43North’s $1 million grant, landing major retail deals, and building a fast-growing food brand rooted in health and hustle.Rebecca shares how she started small, leaned into the unknown, and scaled her company without losing the heart of her mission. Her journey is one every entrepreneur can relate to—and learn from.In this episode, you’ll hear:How to grow a CPG brand with no industry backgroundWhy hiring before you're “ready” is part of real growthHow Rebecca handled rapid demand and national expansionThe mindset behind winning a $1 million startup competitionWhy resilience, optimism, and saying yes opened major doorsIf you're building something from scratch and wondering if it's possible to scale without giving up your values, this is a must-listen. Get inspired by Rebecca Brady, Founder of Top Seedz—a local entrepreneur making a global impact.

What if one of the most valuable tools for growing your business was totally free—and you weren’t using it? In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Rumbold, founder of Rumbold Consulting and certified business mentor with SCORE Buffalo Niagara, to uncover the mentorship program too many entrepreneurs overlook.Rachel shares how SCORE’s no-cost support is helping startups and small businesses thrive across Western New York. From guiding growth strategies to building better systems, she reveals how local business owners are using mentorship to navigate challenges and grow sustainably.You’ll also hear how Rachel balances entrepreneurship, motherhood, and coaching softball—all while serving her community through strategic guidance and mentorship.In this episode, business owners will learn:What SCORE is and how to get free 1-on-1 business mentoringHow to set healthy boundaries and avoid burnout as an entrepreneurThe power of time blocking and planning with intentionHow mentorship and structure can accelerate your business growthWhat SCORE looks for in new mentors and how business owners can get involvedHow to access free workshops, resources, and ongoing support through SCOREWhether you're feeling stuck or ready to scale smarter, this conversation will give you tools, clarity, and a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.Tune in now to hear from Rachel Rumbold of Score International.

Most business owners want to take care of their team—but end up offering health benefits that are overpriced, underused, or just plain confusing. In this episode, we sit down with Brian, founder of Business Health Market, to talk about the costly health benefit mistakes small businesses are making and how to fix them without blowing up your budget.Whether you’re a solopreneur thinking about your first hire or a seasoned business owner looking to improve retention, this conversation will open your eyes to what truly matters when offering health coverage to your employees.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why traditional health plans often don’t serve small teams wellHow to design benefits that actually retain talent and save you moneyWhat questions to ask before signing your next healthcare agreementCreative options most owners don’t realize existThe long-term business impact of choosing the right health partnerIf you care about your team and want to stay competitive in today’s hiring market, you can’t afford to miss this one. Tune in now to hear from Brian, Founder of Business Health Market.

What does it take to grow a home organizing business from a one-woman side hustle to the largest operation of its kind in Western New York? In this episode, Tonya Cunningham, founder of Next Chapter Solutions, shares the real behind-the-scenes journey of building a 17-person team—without a business degree, startup capital, or traditional management experience.Entrepreneurs will hear how Tonya:Turned her natural talent into a scalable serviceBuilt a flexible team culture that thrives without burnoutAttracts the right clients by knowing when to say noCreated systems out of chaos to streamline growthUsed family collaboration to spin off multiple aligned businessesWhether you're in the service industry or simply looking to grow with more intention, Tonya’s story is packed with practical lessons and fresh perspective on leadership, hiring, and growing a business that reflects your values.Listen in and walk away with clarity, encouragement, and maybe a few ideas to clean up your own operations.

In this solo episode, I get real about the hard but necessary changes I’ve made over the past six months as a business owner, husband, and dad. From cutting my workweek down to three days, turning down “good” opportunities, to focusing only on profit-building activities and deep relationships—this episode is a reflection on what truly matters.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your own calendar, unsure if your content is landing, or burned out from saying yes to too much, this one’s for you.We’ll cover:Why “family first” has to show up in your schedule, not just your wordsHow to rethink your content strategy for clarity and real connectionThe deep lake vs wide lake mindsetDelegating with trust (and consequences)The shift from reach to relationship in marketingAnd the freedom of not needing to be everywhere

Kelly Phillips, owner of The Lodge Auction House, shares how she turned a lifelong passion into a 22-year business rooted in transparency and trust. From navigating estate liquidations to managing a team through personal loss, Kelly breaks down what it takes to scale a service business while staying true to your values. Her story is a mix of grit, growth, and great business lessons.What You’ll Learn:How to turn a passion into a long-term businessThe power of transparency and consistency in brand buildingDelegation strategies for small service teamsHow to adapt when markets shiftLessons from handling both high-end estates and emotional client situations

In this solo episode, David Schaub, founder of WNY Entrepreneur, pulls back the curtain on something few business owners talk about—the unexpected downsides of growth. We all want to scale, but is it actually bringing you more peace, profit, or freedom?David shares honest insights from years of mentoring entrepreneurs, leading mastermind groups, and living the business owner life himself. You’ll be challenged to rethink what success really looks like, especially in the context of your current season of life.If you're feeling stretched thin, constantly chasing the next milestone, or wondering if there’s a better way to grow—this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Western New York Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Deacon Tasker—one of Buffalo’s top real estate agents and co-owner of Rosie’s Ice Cream, a beloved local scoop shop with two growing locations. Deacon shares how he successfully manages two very different businesses, all while raising five kids and staying deeply rooted in the Buffalo community.You’ll learn:How Deacon scaled both a service-based and product-based businessWhat systems and people he put in place to get out of the day-to-day grindWhy building a brand experience matters more than price in competitive marketsHow to build something seasonal or flexible to match your lifestyle goalsWhat real estate taught him about running a brick-and-mortar shop (and vice versa)Why community collaborations and grassroots marketing still winTips for launching a business while keeping your sanity and values intact

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Valerio, owner of Four Winds Chimney, to talk about how he scaled his contracting business from a one-man operation to over 50 employees in just seven years—right here in Western New York.Anthony shares how a personal injury sparked his entrepreneurial journey, how he hires and retains top talent in a tough labor market, and why focusing on people over profit has been the key to sustainable growth.You’ll learn:How to build systems that support scaling (even if you hate admin work)Why delegating early—even before you're “ready”—is crucialHow to turn your first few hires into long-term team membersWhat culture actually means in a service business (and how to create it)Tips for attracting and keeping talent in contracting and tradesWhy branding matters even in local home servicesHow Anthony used marketing, mentorship, and leadership to build a trusted name in multiple citiesWhether you’re a solo operator or running a small team, Anthony’s approach will inspire you to think bigger—and grow smarter.

Meet Sal Alaimo, a powerhouse in the plumbing and heating industry with over 30 years of experience and a decade as a successful business owner. Born and raised in North Buffalo to immigrant parents, Sal’s entrepreneurial journey is a story of resilience, adaptability, and strategic growth.After becoming a father at 22, Sal left college and jumped into the trades, starting as a carpenter’s apprentice before finding his niche in HVAC and plumbing. He quickly climbed the ranks, joining Local 22 in 2003 and leading major commercial projects like Ralph Wilson Stadium and Harborcenter as a steward and foreman. But when layoffs became frequent, Sal took control of his future—launching his own company in 2015 as a sole proprietor.Sal’s turning point came in 2023 after a serious injury forced him to scale his business. He expanded his operation, purchased more trucks, and hired a team—transforming a one-man operation into a growing business. His story reflects the entrepreneurial spirit: knowing when to pivot, when to grow, and how to build a business that stands the test of time.Sal’s journey from the job site to business ownership is packed with hard-earned lessons and strategic wins. Tune in to hear how he leveraged decades of experience to create a thriving business and why adaptability is the key to entrepreneurial success.