Behind The Business: Genesee County NY

This episode we were joined by local comic, pop culture, star wars aficionado- Bill Hume of Foxprowl Collectables.Bill brings his humor and pop culture knowledge to the interview and speaks about the growth of his business from hobby to full time job since 1999. Foxprowl is a collectables store in Batavia that specializes in unique items from the 70s, 80s but also has a flair for the new age of collectables with Marvel and Star Wars items. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by new business owner Mitch Kolb of Batavia Garage Door Co. Mitch had worked at Batavia Garage door for many years before having the opportunity to take over the business in the Fall of 2020.Listen to his inspiring story of the heart and compassion he has experienced in the local business community in Genesee County, NY.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by local businessman and community savant, Matty Gray. Born and raised in Batavia, Matty has had a huge impact on this community in his ownership of multiple businesses, and his involvement in the development of Genesee County, where he calls home.In this conversation he speaks about how he cut his teeth in business at an early age and moved to North Carolina to open up a pizza place. After having some success down there, he decided to move back home to start his family and this is when he purchased the local staple of ribs Alex's Place.In more recent years he and his partner Jon Mager have opened Batavia's first Downtown brewery, Eli Fish Brewing Co- providing a transformational change to Main St, Batavia.  In his most recent announcement he has been linked to the management of the ice arena in Batavia, where he plans to refurbish and repair the facility into a year-round destination.Thank you Matty for finding the time to do this and sharing your great stories with us!To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by Jessica Pratt and Zach Kobylanski, both young business people who operate businesses of their own. Jess owns a fitness center, Whole Life Fitness, and Zach a landscaping company, Versascape. In the past two years they have partnered on many new business ventures: -Pro-Kleen, a powerwashing and residential and commercial cleaning company.-The Lost Sock Laundromat, a self-service laundromat in Pavilion.-585 Sealcoating, a residential and commercial sealcoating and asphalt repair business.-Rest and Revive Wellness Center, a mixed use wellness facility with float tanks, massage therapy , esthetician services and chiropractor services.As you can see they have been very busy and in this interview they detail the process of how and why they decided to open these businesses and why they choose to operate them in Genesee County NY!To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by longtime proprietress of Rolling Hills Asylum, Sharon Coyle.Established in 1827, the Genesee County Poor House (now Rolling Hills Asylum) soon became a refuge for some of society's less fortunate. With over 1,700 documented deaths and hundreds not recorded, Haunted North America has rated it as the second most haunted site in the United States! Right here in East Bethany, NY!In June 2008, Sharon came to Rolling Hills Asylum as part of a Darkness Radio event and had three amazing nights of paranormal activity. She then returned home to California, but would constantly review the evidence she collected from RHA.  When she received a call in the Spring of 2009 that RHA was closing forever, she took action and purchased Rolling Hills Asylum and made it her new home.Since then she has completely re-branded the site and has developed it into a far-reaching attraction of our region. Visitors from all over the country flock to get their chance at collecting evidence of the paranormal. It has even been featured on many different TV Shows including Destination Fear, Ghost Adventures and as a promotional piece for American Horror Story. The historical facility in East Bethany offers public ghost hunts, private hunts, guided tours and many other events to its patrons. All of which can be found online at www.rollinghillsasylum.comTo learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by Don Brown of Charles Men Shop and Batavia Bootery. Family owned & operated since 1947, Charles Men's Shop, Inc. has been Batavia's number one choice for fine men's clothing for many years. Due to a partnership with PW Minor, they have also operated Batavia Bootery in Downtown Batavia since 2017.Don speaks of his expertise in the business and how over many years the traditions at Charles Men's Shop have remained the same. They have adapted to the new styles and fashion of the day, but the store  and its inner-workings very much resembles what they did in 1947, offering the same level of high service and quality clothing.Their newest venture, The Batavia Bootery, has become a retail staple in Downtown Batavia. For years they had a selection of shoes and boots available at the Men's Shop, and would refer people to other shoe stores to meet their needs. When the opportunity arose to partner with local shoemaker, PW Minor, they decided to opened up the new store front a few doors down from where they currently operated. Now, they could offer an extensive selection of quality American brand men's and women's shoes at reasonable prices, and continue to offer the same high-level of service they provided at the Men's Shop.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by Judy Hysek from Eden Cafe- Genesee County's first and only vegan eatery!Judy got her start with Eden in 2017 in a foodie challenge competition where the winner got to utilize space inside of Eli Fish Brewing as a "restaurant incubator kitchen." This allowed her to build the business and benefit from the advice of people who were already in the business.Now, after a few years of growth and success, Judy has officially moved the business to it's own location on Ellicott St in Batavia. Currently they are in renovation mode and construction has been going on for the past few months, with plans of a grand opening very soon.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by local businessman and artist, Brian Kemp. Brian's business, T Shirts-Etc,  is celebrating 25 years of existence this year with its history of multiple locations across Batavia.Brian grew up in Batavia and highlights his start in the Harvester Center and how he has grown and changed the business in it's lifetime. He talks about his passion for art and his different projects across town and the designer experience he brings to his customers.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

In this episode we were joined by local business owner, Noah Whiteford of Whiteford Dental Lab. Whiteford Dental is a fixed prosthetic lab in Batavia NY that specializes in implant and digital dental services- but as Noah would say in layman's terms, "They make teeth". In this spirited conversation, Noah details the immense growth of the business in its short lifetime, and their incessant need of more space. A resident of Batavia, Noah  has put in a lot of effort to find a space in the area that meets their needs, but has not been successful. He is hoping that in the near future he will be able to find them a "forever home" in Genesee County.Noah and his business partner Dave have grown this unique business in the Harvester Center in Batavia and now are looking to expand and stay at-home in this county. We cannot commend them enough for their dedication and success in this community.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by John Roche, current owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle Store.John details the history of the iconic toy store in Downtown Batavia and the visitors that return year after year. He talks about how he got into the business back in 2000 and how his childhood passion for bicycles inspired him to take the leap into ownership.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by local businessman, Kent Ewell, owner of O'Lacy's Irish Pub in Batavia.Kent details his life and career before the pub and his inspiration for opening it up 25 years ago.  He talks about the research he did and the importance he placed on making it look and feel like a true Irish Pub. O'Lacy's has become a local staple and gathering place for the people in Genesee County, NY. They also pour a perfect Guiness and have one hell of a Reuben.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Season two officially launched after a slight delay.This episode we were joined by Jon Mager, of the Mager Family, the people behind Arctic Refrigeration in Batavia. He details the history of the family owned business that has spanned over 75 years and was started by his grandfather in his garage on Otis St in Batavia.Jon goes on to speak about his newest venture, the famous Eli Fish Brewing Co, located on Main St in Batavia- the only brewery of its kind in Genesee County.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

In the season finale of Season 1 of Behind The Business, we were joined by local information technology legend, Paul Marchese, of Marchese Computer Products. In this fun conversation with Paul we talk about the ins and outs of his business and how it has changed over the past 40 years.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by long time local business owner Mike Hodgins. Mike and his family have owned and operated Hodgins Printing and John's Studios since the late 50s. Mike's father, John, started the business and in this episode Mike details the story behind their business. He also speaks of the change in the industry and how they have adapted over the past twenty or so years.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by local entrepreneur Brandon Armstrong, of Royals Barbershop in Batavia. Brandon has operated his own business since his early 20s and has always wanted to use his creativity to provide for himself and his community. Brandon talks about his younger days and his inspiration to be a barber, and the few different opportunities that have come his way over his time as a local business owner in Batavia. He also highlights his aspirations for the future, and what he thinks he can bring to the community he grew up in.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by the newest dynamic duo of local business in Genesee County, Chris and Shelly from Empire Hemp in Batavia. The new health and wellness shop opened up in April of 2021 on Main St in the Masonic Temple building.Empire Hemp Co. produces a wide range of Hemp Derived CBD products for the purpose of providing happiness, health, healing and wellness.  In this episode they detail their standards on creating the many different products they offer and the local growers they purchase the raw hemp from. In layman's terms- they are like a craft beer of cbd products- purchasing materials, processing the flower and creating their own products from start to finish.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by a member of our prominent agricultural community here in Genesee County.: Tim Call, of Empire Tractor. He joined us to detail his time at the business in Batavia and how he impulsively got into ownership. He goes on to detail his family's long history of agriculture businesses and various community support in our region.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode, to celebrate National Podcast Day, we were joined by the incredibly vibrant and entertaining  Gregory Hallock from GOART! He joined us in the podcast studio hosted in GOART's upstairs rooms, where we record all episodes of Behind The Business. In this episode he details his time at GOART and the many upcoming events and initiatives they are planning in the future. He also speaks of his time in NYC and other locations around the world- and why he decided to settle in Batavia NY.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by Rob Credi of Pub Coffee Hub, or Pub Hub Coffee whichever you prefer. He details his transition from food truck to brick and mortar location at the Harvester Center in Batavia. He calls upon his past history of coffee shop ownership in Batavia and the lessons he has learned since then to make his current venture successful today.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

This episode we were joined by long time owner, Candy Hensel, of the Byron Hotel. This iconic establishment located at the four corners of Byron has a long standing relationship with the people of the area. Built in the late 1800s, it has always been the centerpiece of its community.Candy details her twenty years of owning the business and the challenges and successes in that time. She wants the hotel to continue to be the central meeting place for the community of Byron and its surrounding areas.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/