Upstate Impact

This week on Upstate Impact , we sit down with Rob Zaccaria , co-founder of the Noble Cellar and Associate Broker at Acropolis Realty Group ! Rob shares how his Central New York roots and diverse career in real estate and hospitality fuel his passion for creating spaces that bring people together. Don’t miss this interesting conversation about Rob's experiences, building community, and the sto...

This week on Upstate Impact , we sit down with Mark DeAngelis Jr. , co-owner of Mark Antony Homes! Mark shares how his family’s company has been building custom homes in Central New York since 1988—crafting dream homes that blend quality, sustainability, and timeless design. With a reputation for integrity and community commitment, Mark discusses how their team helps families bring their visions t...

This week on Upstate Impact , we sit down with Andrew Lunetta , founder of A Tiny Home for Good! Andrew shares how his vision grew into a nonprofit that builds safe, affordable housing for men and women coming out of homelessness—pairing dignified homes with long-term support to ensure stability. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about compassion, community, and the power of building hope one...

This week on Upstate Impact , we sit down with Pat Fleming , creator of the viral social media series Another Day Another Diner ! Pat shares how his love of diners grew into a storytelling project with over 1.5 million views—spotlighting hidden gems across New York and helping small-town economies thrive. Don’t miss this fun and inspiring conversation about community, storytelling, and the power o...

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with the Mayor of Solvay, Derek Baichi. This conversation explores Derek's campaign experience and his passion for building a better community. Learn more about Derek on Facebook Connect with Derek on LinkedIn Today’s episode of Upstate Impact is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen of CNY.Summer’s here—and it’s the perfect time to upgrade you...

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Tim Beauvais! This conversation explores Tim's love of sports, his intro to mortgage banking, and his desire to help others achieve home ownership. Connect with Tim on ⁠ LinkedIn ⁠! Today’s episode of Upstate Impact is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen of CNY.Summer’s here—and it’s the perfect time to upgrade your windows. With Renewal...

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Mary M. Thompson! This conversation explores everything you need to know when considering building a home, as well as the exciting changes coming to Central New York! Connect with Mary on LinkedIn ! Today’s episode of Upstate Impact is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen of CNY.Summer’s here—and it’s the perfect time to upgrade your windows....

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Anthony Tringale! This conversation explores the Anthony's love for good food, what it takes to run a successful restaurant, and how the Eat Local NY Instagram was created. Check out Eat Local NY on Instagram ! Today’s episode of Upstate Impact is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen of CNY.Summer’s here—and it’s the perfect time to upgra...

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Brandon Triche! This conversation explores Brandon's love of baseketball, his upbringing in the sport, and playing at Syracuse University. Check out ⁠⁠Brandon on Instagram ! Today’s episode of Upstate Impact is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen of CNY.Summer’s here—and it’s the perfect time to upgrade your windows. With Renewal by Ande...

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Chris Bily! This conversation explores Chris's love of design, his venture into the restaurant scene, and the behind the scenes in hospitality. Check out ⁠ XO TACO Follow Original Grain Today’s episode of Upstate Impact is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen of CNY.Summer’s here—and it’s the perfect time to upgrade your windows. With Ren...

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Patrick Rohe! This conversation explores how Patrick got into economics, Rockbridge Investment Management, and what it means to save early. Luke and Patrick also discuss Patrick growing up on a farm, and how your money when invested properly can help you reach your long term goals! Check out Rockbridge Investment Management ! Connect with Patr...

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Mike O'Leary! This conversation dives deep into music, and what it means to be a DJ. Luke and Mike discuss their experiences being in command of the aux, and how Mike started the Sunday Cleaning series. Luke and Mike also explore what makes good music great, and so much more! Check out Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeo_lea...

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Joe Pompo! This conversation explores the journey of innovation in lacrosse training, focusing on the development of a smart lacrosse ball and the integration of technology in sports. Luke and Joe discuss their experiences with entrepreneurship, the importance of mindset, networking, and the potential economic growth in Syracuse due to technol...

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Tracy Dando! Tracy is a multifaceted individual with a passion for mental health advocacy and community support. As the Founder & CEO of Safe Space Organization and co-founder of Root to Rise Retreats, Tracy has dedicated herself to creating safe and empowering spaces for individuals on their journey to recovery and self-discovery. With a...

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with John Mossotti, owner of Elite Personal Fitness, to talk about the importance of showing up, staying consistent, and just getting started. Whether you're new to the gym or looking to reset your routine, John shares practical advice, mindset tips, and real encouragement to help you build long-term success.

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Shellie Rizza, owner and founder of SaltCity Holistic Health, to talk about her mission to help Central New Yorkers live healthier, more balanced lives. Shellie shares her approach to wellness, the mindset that drives her work, and practical advice anyone can use to feel their best.

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Margaret Dietz, founder and Creative Director of M. Dietz Creative, to talk about all things branding and creativity. Margaret shares how she discovered her passion, what drives her process, and how she finds true joy in helping entrepreneurs discover and own their brand.

Luke sits down with Steve Case, founder and owner of Acropolis Realty Group, to talk about how his dream of becoming a real estate developer became a reality. Steve shares his early ambitions, how he got started, what drives his work today, and the projects that are helping shape the future of Syracuse.

Luke sits down with Brook Bregman, Coordinator of CNY Pickleball, to talk about her journey into the sport and what inspired her to help grow the game locally. Brook shares why pickleball is exploding in Central New York and across the country, and how community, accessibility, and fun are fueling its momentum.

In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Michaela Kawryga, owner of The Emerson, Soul Society, and GlamSquadSyr, to talk about her entrepreneurial journey, the power of intuition, and how staying flexible has helped her grow three successful ventures. From managing a team to balancing life and business, this episode is packed with real talk, valuable lessons, and major inspiration.

Luke sits down with Adam Mazzoni, owner of Sweet on Chocolate, to hear the story of his early entrepreneurial journey and what ultimately led him to the chocolate business. Adam opens up about the challenges he faced in the beginning, how he overcame them, and the philosophy that guides both his business and his life today.

Luke sits down with Mike Greene, owner of Harvey’s Garden in downtown Syracuse, to discuss his journey as an entrepreneur, what he’s learned along the way, and how he's using hospitality to build community and create memorable experiences.

Luke sits down with Scott Gasparini, VP of Gasparini Landscaping, to discuss transforming outdoor spaces, tackling new construction and renovations, and the do’s and don’ts of hiring contractors.