In this conversation, Felicia Lynn, owner of Hometown Board Shop in Glens Falls, shares her journey from a passionate snowboarder and ski instructor to a business owner. She discusses the challenges of starting a business, the importance of community engagement, and her plans for the future of the shop. Felicia emphasizes the significance of mentorship and building a supportive team while navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship in the outdoor sports industry.

Key Takeaways

• Felicia has been involved in snow sports since childhood.
• The idea for Hometown Board Shop stemmed from a lack of local snowboard shops.
• Community engagement is crucial for the success of the shop.
• Starting a business requires a lot of planning and support.
• Mentorship can significantly impact a new business owner's confidence.
• Balancing customer service with backend operations is challenging.
• Finding the right team members is essential for business growth.
• Felicia's family plays a supportive role in her business.
• Safety and education in sports are important topics for the community.
• The future of Hometown Board Shop includes expanding product offerings and community events.

More Information

• Hometown Board Shop
• Ann Donnelly Success Stories
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO

In this episode, host Ann Donnelly meets Jason Tyler, the Eastern New York Market Lead for Stark Tech. As a new member of the Adirondack Chamber, Jason shares how Stark Tech is transforming from a traditional temperature control company into a powerhouse of holistic building solutions and energy management.

With energy costs rising and New York’s regulatory landscape shifting, businesses are facing unprecedented challenges in keeping their facilities efficient and resilient. Jason discusses how his team acts as "master integrators," helping everyone from K-12 schools to large-scale commercial facilities navigate these complexities.

• The Evolution of Stark Tech: Learn about Stark Tech's 2021 acquisition of the long-standing Technical Building Services (founded in 1981) and how they have expanded to nearly 1,000 employees across 16 offices.

  
  

• A Holistic Approach to Integration: Stark Tech doesn't just provide equipment; they manage the entire lifecycle from planning and execution to long-term servicing. They specialize in building automation, energy solutions, and even security and access control.

  
  

• Navigating Energy & Regulations: Jason dives into the challenges of New York's changing regulations—including the shift away from gas— and how businesses can find the most economical paths forward.

  
  

• The "Invisible" Energy Hogs: Discover why heating and cooling systems are the biggest energy offenders and how the modern reliance on computing and mobile devices is impacting building electrical usage.

  
  

• Building Resiliency: In a region prone to power outages, Jason explains how strengthening building systems can protect expensive equipment and allow business owners to focus on what they do best.

  
  

"Stark Tech's success is tied to our client's success. If we're not ensuring that our clients are successful, we're not doing our job right." — Jason Tyler

Stark Tech prides itself on being a partner that "walks alongside" the client, leveraging decades of experience to phase out aging equipment and integrate new, cost-saving solutions. They also help businesses navigate the world of incentives, rebates, and grants to make these upgrades financially feasible.

More Information:

• Stark Tech
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO
• Ann Donnelly Building Success Stories

In this episode, Ann speaks with Alex Bodensieck of AVB Taxes, who shares his journey into accounting and taxation. He discusses his passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of tax returns, particularly in rental real estate and small businesses.

Bodensieck emphasizes the importance of client communication and experience, as well as the need for tailored tax strategies. He also shares his future growth plans and the significance of networking in building his client base.

Throughout the discussion, Bodensieck highlights the challenges clients face and how he aims to provide solutions that alleviate their tax-related stress.

Key Takeaways

• Bodensieck started AVB Taxes to help clients navigate tax complexities.
• He finds personal tax work more rewarding than audit work.
• Rental real estate is a significant niche for his business.
• Small businesses often struggle with tax compliance and bookkeeping.
• Alex emphasizes the importance of client communication and experience.
• He aims to double his client base in the coming year.
• Quarterly tax payments are crucial for avoiding penalties.
• Networking has been key to building his client base.
• He provides tailored advice for clients looking to buy homes.
• Alex enjoys the creative aspects of running his own business.

More Information

• AVB Taxes
• Alex Bodensieck on LinkedIn
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO
• Ann Donnelly Building Success Stories

In this conversation, Lisa Boucher, founder of HR Ninja, shares her extensive human resources experience and discusses the challenges and rewards of her journey. She emphasizes the importance of understanding business needs, navigating employee benefits, and fostering community through initiatives like HR Cafe. Lisa highlights the evolving landscape of HR and the necessity for businesses to adapt to new employee expectations while maintaining compliance and support for their workforce.

Key Takeaways

• HR Ninja combines Lisa's passion for human resources and martial arts.
• Lisa's diverse background enhances her HR expertise.
• Self-employment presents unique organizational challenges.
• Business owners often need guidance on HR projects.
• Proactive HR can prevent financial exposures for businesses.
• Employee feedback is crucial for improving benefits.
• Different generations have varying workplace expectations.
• Community support is vital for small businesses.
• HR Cafe fosters networking and collaboration among HR professionals.
• Lisa aims to positively impact her local community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to HR Ninja and Lisa Boucher

02:47 The Journey into Human Resources

05:35 Challenges of Self-Employment in HR

08:23 Understanding Business Needs and HR Solutions

11:23 Navigating Employee Benefits and Compliance

13:59 The Importance of Employee Feedback

17:08 Building Community through HR Cafe

19:44 Future Aspirations for HR Ninja

More Information

• Lisa Boucher - HR Ninja

In this episode, Kara Magoolaghan, principal of KMCG LLC, discusses her journey from mechanical engineering to founding a consultancy focused on helping nonprofits and small governments with capital projects. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable and resilient building practices, particularly in affordable housing, and shares insights on the challenges faced by community-centric organizations. Kara also reflects on her passion for charitable work and the rewarding experience of entrepreneurship.

Additionally, Kara and her husband, Matt, are opening a shop, called Hometown, in January 2026. Hometown will be located in the newly developed area of Glens Falls on South Street. Hometown will sell furnishings, home decor, gifts, food items, all carefully curated for their shop, which is modelled on a local general store. In the lead-up to Christmas, they are holding some pop-ups in other shops in Glens Falls.

Key Takeaways

• KMCG helps nonprofits and small governments with capital projects.
• The consultancy focuses on sustainability and resilience in building.
• Kara transitioned from engineering to law to better influence decision-making.
• Sustainable buildings can lead to lower energy costs for tenants.
• Nonprofits often struggle with capital projects due to limited resources.
• KMCG acts as a buffer between clients and construction professionals.
• Kara’s passion for helping others stems from her upbringing.
• The nonprofit sector is driven by mission and community engagement.
• Entrepreneurship offers the freedom to innovate and make an impact.
• Every day in business presents new challenges and opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to KMCG and Its Mission
02:42 Kara’s Journey: From Engineering to Consultancy
06:09 Focus on Sustainable and Resilient Building Practices
08:39 Challenges in Affordable Housing and Community Projects
11:20 Navigating Nonprofit Capital Projects
12:33 Passion for Community and Charitable Work
14:37 The Transition to Entrepreneurship and Its Rewards

More information:

• KMCG LLC
• Hometown Glens Falls
• Ann Donnelly Success Stories
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO
  

In this episode, Ann Donnelly speaks with Jacqueline O'Donnell, founder of Math Refresh. They discuss her journey in creating a math education company that makes math relevant and engaging for students. O'Donnell shares insights on the challenges faced during the pandemic, the benefits of online tutoring, and the importance of creating a safe learning environment. She emphasizes the need to empower girls in STEM and the role of parents in their children's education. She also outlines her future plans for expanding Math Refresh and her innovative approaches to math education.

Key Takeaways

• Jacqueline started Math Refresh to address learning gaps in math education.
• The pandemic highlighted the need for innovative online tutoring solutions.
• Creating a safe space for students encourages them to ask questions.
• Math education should focus on understanding concepts, not just memorization.
• Engaging parents in their children's education is crucial for success.
• Empowering girls in STEM is a key focus for Jacqueline's mission.
• Online tutoring provides flexibility and accessibility for students.
• Jacqueline's book aims to make math fun and engaging for children.
• Math should be seen as relevant and applicable in everyday life.
• The stigma around math needs to be broken to foster a love for learning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Math Refresh and Its Mission
02:20 The Journey of Starting a Math Education Business
05:39 The Shift to Online Tutoring and Its Benefits
08:57 Creating a Safe Learning Environment for Students
13:56 Innovative Approaches to Math Education
17:08 Future Plans for Math Refresh
21:06 Empowering Girls in STEM
33:08 Engaging Parents in Their Children's Education

More information:

• Math Refresh
• Ann Donnelly Success Stories - more episodes and articles
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO

In this episode, Ann Donnelly speaks with Serena Smith, the owner of Hot Yoga Queensbury. She shares her journey into the world of hot yoga, the challenges of running a fitness studio, and the importance of community in yoga practice. She discusses the various styles of yoga offered at her studio, the benefits of hot yoga, and her aspirations for the future, including the dream of owning a retreat center. The conversation highlights the emotional and physical benefits of yoga, the significance of community support, and the joy of doing what you love.

Key Takeaways

• Serena started her yoga journey due to a shoulder injury.
• She became certified to teach Pilates and yoga during COVID.
• Hot Yoga Queensbury has been operating for 15 years.
• Community is essential for the success of her studio.
• Hot yoga offers both physical and mental health benefits.
• The studio offers a variety of classes, primarily hot yoga.
• Serena emphasizes the emotional connection in yoga practice.
• She plans to expand offerings with retreats and teacher training.
• The studio has 112 active members and a strong sense of community.
• Serena dreams of owning her own retreat center.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Hot Yoga Queensberry
02:40 Building a Community Through Yoga
05:06 Exploring Yoga Styles and Offerings
08:01 The Benefits of Hot Yoga
11:02 Challenges of Running a Yoga Studio
13:41 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

More information:

• Hot Yoga Queensbury
• Phone: 518-636-5354
• Email: info@hotyogaqueensbury.com

In this episode, Janice Durant from New Trails Business Consultants discusses her journey in the franchising world, the intricacies of transitioning from corporate life to business ownership, and the various aspects of franchise ownership. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's motivations, the financial implications, and the support systems available for aspiring franchise owners. Janice also shares insights on the role of a franchise consultant and the community aspect of franchising, highlighting how local ownership can have a positive impact on communities.

Key Takeaways

• New Trails Business Consultants helps individuals transition from corporate to business ownership.
• Franchising offers a wide range of industries and opportunities.
• Understanding the 'why' behind wanting to own a business is crucial.
• Franchise ownership requires a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to follow established processes.
• There are significant costs associated with starting a franchise, including licensing and operational fees.
• Janice's experience in franchising spans over 20 years, providing her with valuable insights.
• The importance of timing and personal circumstances when considering franchise opportunities.
• Franchise consultants provide essential support and guidance throughout the process.
• Community and support networks are vital for franchise owners.
• Franchising can be a pathway to personal and financial freedom, positively impacting local economies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to New Trails Business Consultants

01:55 Navigating the Franchise Landscape

05:46 Understanding Franchise Ownership

09:22 Janice's Journey in Franchising

13:17 Challenges of Starting a New Business

16:04 Financial Considerations in Franchising

18:43 The Importance of Timing and Fit

22:32 The Role of a Franchise Consultant

26:33 Community and Support in Franchising

29:09 Conclusion and How to Connect

More Information:

• New Trails Business Consultants Inc.
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO
• Ann Donnelly Success Stories