Upstate Impact

This week on Upstate Impact, we’re joined by Bronson Kopp , Executive Director of Joseph’s House in Syracuse! Joseph’s House is doing incredible work in our community, providing housing, support, and resources for pregnant women and mothers in need. Bronson shares what inspired him to get involved, the mission behind the organization, and some truly powerful stories of the lives they’ve impacted a...

What does it really take to set yourself up for success? This week on Upstate Impact, we’re joined by successful local entrepreneur Nick Moore to talk about his journey in business, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the decisions and habits that have helped him get to where he is today. We also dive into personal growth, mindset, and ways to elevate yourself both personally and profe...

This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with the legendary Gary Gait! 🥍🍊 From his historic playing career to building a business in the early days of professional lacrosse, Gary shares his journey both on and off the field. We dive into his entrepreneurial mindset, the power of visualization, leadership, and how he applies those lessons today as Head Coach of Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse. One of the...

From washing dishes at 15 to owning the company at 21, Ryan Novak’s story is anything but ordinary. This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with the owner and CEO of Chocolate Pizza Company to talk about his journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the experiences that inspired his new book, Inner Armor. A great conversation about business, leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Foll...

This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with Matt Flood, founder of TLDR Syracuse, the local newsletter keeping you plugged into everything happening around Syracuse and CNY. We talk about Matt’s background as an engineer, his time at TCGplayer, his current role at Forbes, and how those experiences helped shape TLDR Syracuse. We also get into what it’s like getting TLDR off the ground while balan...

This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with Dr. Brittany Schuller, founder of Mini Milestones Physical Therapy. Brittany specializes in pediatric neuro physical therapy, working with babies and young kids and focusing on how the brain, nervous system, and movement all work together. We talk about her background, what led her to start Mini Milestones, and some great practical advice for parents w...

This week, we sit down with Nick Riley of High Minded Humboldt to talk about his journey out to Humboldt County, becoming immersed in the cannabis industry, and watching it evolve from the underground days to legalization and where it stands today. We get into the culture of Humboldt, misconceptions around cannabis, how the industry has changed, and what Nick sees for its future. We also took a li...

This week on the Upstate Impact Podcast, we’re joined by Catherine Donahue, founder of Flower Dough Bread Co. From baking bread at home to building one of Central New York’s most beloved brands, Catherine shares the story behind Flower Dough, what it’s like balancing entrepreneurship with raising four young kids, and the lessons she’s learned while growing the business. We also talk about the role...

Jovan Miller joins the Upstate Impact Podcast to share his journey from growing up in Syracuse as a multi-sport athlete to becoming a two-time All-American, two-time National Champion at Syracuse University, and playing professional lacrosse. We also dive into the evolution of the game, why being a multi-sport athlete still matters, and what today’s players can do to develop their skills, separate...

The best ideas come from recognizing a need and taking action. Amy Nickels shares the story of how Encore Youth Productions started small, continued to grow as demand increased, and is now embarking on an exciting new chapter. Along the way, she’s created so much more than a theater program. Encore has become a place where kids build confidence, discover their potential, step outside their comfort...

Built on consistency. Fueled by creativity. In this episode, Antoine Smith shares the story behind Big Fellas and the mindset that’s helped make it a Syracuse staple. Check out Big Fellas Follow Upstate Impact on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Renewal by Andersen CNY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We sat down with Dan Tagliamonte, founder of Sea Culture Brand, to talk about the story behind the brand, the process of building something meaningful, and what it takes to turn an idea into a growing business. From entrepreneurship and creativity to staying true to your vision, Dan shares plenty of insights for anyone looking to build something of their own. Discover Sea Culture Brand Follow Upst...

This week, we’re joined by Laiza Semidey, founder of Legendary Soul Studio. Laiza shares her journey as both an entrepreneur and intrapreneur, the purpose that drives her work, and why mentorship can make all the difference in building a meaningful career. We discuss leadership, community impact, creating opportunities for others, the power of relationships, and even a few simple photography tips...

New episode with Eddie Brennan, President/CEO of Beak and Skiff, 1911 established, aryloom and Gen 5 Labs🎙️🍎 With concert season around the corner, apple blossoms in bloom, and a lot of momentum building around ayrloom, it felt like the perfect time to sit down and share the story behind one of Central New York’s most iconic brands and how they continue to evolve. Eddie shares great insight on le...

In this episode of Upstate Impact we are joined by Scott Herron, Executive Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we had a great conversation about the impact NAMI Syracuse is making throughout the community, the resources they provide, and why these conversations are more important than ever. This is a powerful episode for anyone personally aff...

Syracuse Field Hockey Head Coach Lynn Farquhar joins us on Upstate Impact to talk about her journey through the sport, how she became the head coach of one of the top programs in the country, and the philosophy that drives her as a coach and leader. We also dive into what she looks for in players beyond talent, how she builds culture within the program, and the way she works to prepare young women...

Kayleigh Payne from Linear Collective shares how she built a salon that stands out in a crowded industry, the path that led her there even though it wasn’t the one she originally planned, and the lessons she’s learned along the way along with real advice for anyone just getting started. A must listen for anyone building something of their own. Follow Upstate Impact on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week on Upstate Impact features Jackie Lodge, President and GM of Renewal by Andersen of CNY. From starting in the business at 16 to becoming the youngest GM in Renewal by Andersen history, Jackie shares real stories, leadership lessons, and what it actually takes to earn respect and build a high-performing team. A lot of value in this one if you’re trying to grow in your career or lead at a...

Tori Kroll of Blue Sky Therapy joins Upstate Impact to share her story, break down common misconceptions around therapy, and offer simple, practical tips you can apply in your own life. A real conversation that brings clarity to mental health and what it actually looks like day to day. Follow Upstate Impact on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Renewal by Andersen CN...

Alex Gonzalez, owner of Margaritas Mexican Cantina and Inka’s, joins Upstate Impact to share his story and what it really takes to build and run successful restaurants. We talk about how he got his start, how he approaches business day to day, and some valuable insight for anyone looking to get into the restaurant world or build something of their own. A great conversation with a lot of real persp...

Craig Kowadla joins Upstate Impact to share how he helped build Brooklyn Pickle into one of the most well known sandwich brands in Syracuse. From getting started to growing into 8 locations, we get into what’s driven their success and how they’ve kept the quality and experience people keep coming back for. Follow Upstate Impact on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We’re joined by Dylan Donahue , founder of Platform Lacrosse, who’s building something special for athletes at every level, from 5 year olds just getting started to high level players and professionals looking to sharpen their game. Dylan shares how he’s created an environment where anyone has the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence, and truly grow within the sport, while staying...

Joe “Coach Joe” Stray joins Upstate Impact for a conversation on his approach to the sport and why boxing can be transformative for both kids and adults. We talk mindset, discipline, confidence, and how the right training environment can shape more than just athletic ability. Whether you’re stepping into a gym for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, Coach Joe shares insight on how bo...

This week on Upstate Impact, we’re joined by John Vavalo , CEO of Central Processors NY. John breaks down how he’s built and scaled multiple brands in a highly regulated manufacturing space, sharing insight on operations, compliance, distribution, and what it takes to grow in one of New York’s fastest-moving industries. If you’re into entrepreneurship and emerging markets, this one’s worth the lis...

🎧🔥 This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with TheKandiGod to talk about his journey into the EDM scene, discovering Kandi culture, and how that community completely changed the way he experiences music. He breaks down what Kandi culture really is, why it’s rooted in connection, positivity, and self-expression, and how he fell in love with the energy behind it. From there, we get into the grin...