Bell Ringer (Buffalo Podcast)

Timothy Porter joins Bell Ringer to discuss his company Mod Tech Labs, its move to Buffalo after winning the 43North competition, growth since arriving, and what is next for the film and gaming industry in times of AI and following strikes.

Jason Bartz is the founder of Good Neighbor Fund, a micro grant program started right here in Buffalo, New York. The program awards $1,000 grants to entrepreneurs or folks with an idea they'd like to turn into a company. On this episode Jason discusses his experiences in Buffalo's entrepreneurial ecosystem, why he started Good Neighbor Fund, criteria for potential applicants, and Western New York'...

Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY, joins the podcast to discuss the intentionality in curating the museum, its reception from patrons across the country and the comedians themselves the museum aims to celebrate, and everything else in between.

Mike Moskal, CIO at CUBRC, joins Bell Ringer to discuss his company's innovative work, recruitment strategies, and Buffalo Niagara's technology ecosystem at large.

Greg Homish is a researcher, professor, and chair with the University at Buffalo. He and UB recently received a grant to help train and diversify the future of the public health workforce throughout Western New York. His other research focuses on mental health outcomes for those in the armed services, and mental health at large.

Scott Balaguer joins Bell Ringer to discuss Edwards Vacuum 599 job, $319 million expansion at the WNY STAMP site in the Buffalo Niagara region. Edwards Vacuum is a critical supplier in the semiconductor industry and also already has a location in Niagara County. 

Stephanie Peete and Aaron Jackson join Bell Ringer to discuss CareerWise Greater Buffalo, a modern youth apprenticeship program through Say Yes. On the episode we discuss the benefits of an 'earn while you learn' model, why engaged employers are critical, and the grander benefit of Say Yes as a whole.

Randy Harris of Lighthouse Technology Services joins Bell Ringer to discuss his company, the ever-changing field of technology, how folks need to think about tech talent, and Buffalo's technology ecosystem at large.

Arbol is a platform helping college students overcome economic uncertainties - textbook purchases, transportation costs, healthcare bills, and more. The company was cofounded by David Gonzalez and Favio Osorio right here in Buffalo Niagara. On this episode, we discuss the company's mission, support its received, and Buffalo's entrepreneurial ecosystem at large. 

Jon Powers joins the podcast to discuss his company Clean Capital and advantages Buffalo boasts for clean energy companies and projects, including clean and affordable hydropower and a well-trained workforce.

Del Reid is the cofounder of 26 Shirts, which has donated over $1 million to charitable causes throughout Buffalo. He also gave Buffalo Bills fans its namesake - Bills Mafia - and serves as one of the leaders of the community. Del joins Bell Ringer to discuss the origin story of Bills Mafia, 26 Shirts, what it means to be a Buffalo Bills fan, and more. 

Kyle Ciminelli of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation joins Bell Ringer to discuss real estate in Buffalo Niagara, the pandemic's impact - both culturally and practically - on office space, strengths of Western New York for relocating businesses, and increasing the supply of industrial real estate through spec development.

The Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park will renovate 100-acres of Buffalo's beautiful waterfront park, including a new pedestrian bridge and further neighborhood connectivity. Marnetta Malcolm and JJ Tighe join Bell Ringer to discuss plans for the new park, decision-making process behind the investment, and more.

ShearShare - a beauty industry startup - recently relocated to Buffalo after winning the 43North competition. Cofounders Courtney and Dr. Tye Caldwell join the Bell Ringer podcast to discuss their move to Buffalo, welcome since arriving, growth plans for the company, and so much more.

Rebecca Brady, founder of Top Seedz, joins our 100th episode of Bell Ringer to discuss the company's origin story, going through the 43North process, growth plans in Buffalo, workforce pipelines, and more.  In celebration of our 100th episode of Bell Ringer, we want to thank every guest that has been so gracious with their time when joining the show and our listeners for tuning in to learn about a...

Joe Rizzo, of NYSEG, and Ken Kujawa, of National Grid, join Buffalo's Bell Ringer podcast to discus Western New York's strengths in electric infrastructure as it relates to economic development and business attraction. In this episode, we discuss Buffalo's utility reliability, affordability, and grant and incentive programs for companies expanding to Western New York.

Ingrid Curtis, President of Sparq (formerly Rural Sourcing), discusses the tech company's decision to expand to Buffalo due to its affordability, quality of life, talent, and more. Sparq started its project process with an internal AI tool to look at quantitative data, continued by leveraging a multitude of resources via Invest Buffalo Niagara, and eventually visited the region for a boots on the...

Sarah Tabakuchi, the new President & CEO of TechBuffalo, joins the Bell Ringer podcast to discuss her path into tech, her path to this new role, TechBuffalo's goals, and Buffalo Niagara's technology ecosystem as a whole. 

Tom Quinn takes listeners through the Western New York Impact Investment Fund, including its origin story, social impact goals, targeted impact areas, and portfolio.

Tom Wiley, the publisher of The Buffalo News, joins our podcast to discuss growing a newsroom, and his vantage point of the Buffalo resurgence.

Scott Stenclik joins our podcast to discuss the workforce in Buffalo Niagara, Aleron's work within talent acquisition, Buffalo's booming entreprenurial ecosystem, and the Stenclik foundation.

Russell Corigliano, co-owner of Rosina Food Products, joins Bell Ringer to discuss his company's growth, the importance of its workforce, leading through a pandemic, and the reasons other food and dairy processing companies should expand to Buffalo Niagara. 

Sonny Sonnenstein of M&T Bank joins to discuss Buffalo Niagara's booming tech ecosystem and innovation economy. He covers the case for why both talent and companies should be in Buffalo.

Dave Horesh, co-founder of Oxford Pennant, joins Bell Ringer to talk about the company's activities throughout the pandemic - including hanging a 40 foot pennant on Buffalo's tallest building, partnering with the Buffalo Bills for post-win celebrations, adding a 'Made in Buffalo' tag to their products, and more. 

Dan Miner moved back to Buffalo in 2012 to cover Buffalo's economy with Buffalo Business First. His boomerang date coincides well with the beginning of Buffalo's significant resurgence, especially within the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, of which he covers closely.