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

In this episode, we explore the journey and mission of Strategic Emergency Training and Consulting, founded in Glens Falls by Ryan McConky and Travis Dunklee. They discuss their origins, the evolution of their training services, and their commitment to community safety through CPR and AED training throughout the northeast.

The conversation highlights the importance of building relationships with clients, compliance with legal requirements, and the passion that drives their work in emergency response.

We also discuss the challenges of instructor development and the importance of community engagement through initiatives such as free training classes and events.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Emergency Training was founded during the pandemic.
• The company started with CPR and AED training.
• They focus on building long-term relationships with clients.
• Compliance with legal requirements is crucial for businesses.
• AEDs are essential for public safety and are often underutilized.
• Training is offered for both individuals and businesses.
• Community engagement is a key part of their mission.
• They provide free training for new parents and community members.
• Instructor development is vital for maintaining quality training.
• Their personal backgrounds in emergency services enhance their training approach.

More information:

• Strategic Emergency Training & Consulting
• Ann Donnelly Building Success Stories - for more articles and podcast episodes
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO

In this episode, Joël Lynn Ralph shares her journey from a family background in kitchen and bath design to establishing her own business. She discusses the challenges and joys of being self-employed, the intricacies of kitchen design, and her passion for reviving historical homes. Ralph emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs and building strong relationships, while also reflecting on her future aspirations in the industry.

Key Takeaways

• Ralph’s passion for design stems from her family background.
• She transitioned to entrepreneurship during the COVID pandemic.
• Self-employment allows her to focus on her passion for design.
• Kitchen design involves many calculations and considerations.
• Reviving historical homes is a significant part of her work.
• Most of her clients come through word of mouth.
• Understanding client needs is crucial for successful designs.
• She enjoys working independently and values her creative freedom.
• Ralph believes homes have their own personalities.
• She encourages people to visit her showroom and connect.

More Information:

• Joël Lynn Kitchen & Bath Designs
• The Art of Home: Joël Lynn Designs Brings Decades Of Kitchen And Bath Expertise - Glens Falls Business Journal

• Ann Donnelly Success Stories - more episodes and useful articles
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO & Business Advisor

Join Ann Donnelly as she learns about the culinary (and business) journey of Jakob White, the chef and co-owner of Cleome Table and Bar in Glens Falls, New York.

• Discover how Jakob's passion for cooking led him from Glens Falls to Boston to the Virgin Islands and back to his hometown, where he's now part of a vibrant restaurant revolution.

• Learn about the unique concept behind Cleome, where Southern-inspired comfort food meets creative twists, and how Jakob's experiences have shaped his approach to sustainable and heartfelt cooking.

Whether you're a foodie or just curious about the stories behind the dishes, this episode offers a delicious blend of nostalgia, innovation, and community spirit. Tune in to explore the flavors and stories that make Cleome a must-visit destination.

More information:

• Cleome Table + Bar
• Ann Donnelly Fractional COO/Business Consultant
• Ann Donnelly Success Stories