Behind The Business: Genesee County NY
33 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsWe all know about our local businesses, but do we know the people behind the business? Your host Katy Hobbs from The Genesee County Chamber will sit-down with the local business owners of our region and discuss their stories and insights on what its like owning a business in Genesee County NY.
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Episodes
Scot and Kate Pickard, Pickard Solutions
October 21, 2022 14:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBOn this week's episode, Cohost's Sara Stockwell and Katy Hobbs are joined by Scot and Kate Pickard with Pickard Solutions. Pickard Solutions provides small business IT solutions and managed services. Learn more about this incredible husband and wife duo, who started their company at home during the pandemic, while also raising their two kids! Scot Pickard Scot has been an IT professional since 2003. He is a VMware Certified Professional in data center virtualization and an AWS Certified ...
Scot and Kate Pickard, Pickard Solutions
October 21, 2022 14:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBOn this week's episode, Cohost's Sara Stockwell and Katy Hobbs are joined by Scot and Kate Pickard with Pickard Solutions. Pickard Solutions provides small business IT solutions and managed services. Learn more about this incredible husband and wife duo, who started their company at home during the pandemic, while also raising their two kids! Scot Pickard Scot has been an IT professional since 2003. He is a VMware Certified Professional in data center virtualization and an AWS Certified ...
Karyn Winters, Genesee County Business/Education Alliance
September 30, 2022 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBOn our first episode with Cohost's Kelly Bermingham and Katy Hobbs, we are joined by Karyn Winters - Director of the Genesee County Business/Education Alliance. Karyn was born and raised in Genesee County and is a 2003 graduate of Pavilion Central School - Go Gophers! She has a Bachelor's degree in secondary social studies education from Siena College and a master's degree in world history from SUNY Brockport. Karyn has served as BEA Director since March 2017 and is excited to introduce ...
Guy Pellegrino, Pellegrino Auto Sales
August 17, 2022 20:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBThis episode we were joined by Guy Pellegrino of Pellegrino Auto Sales. He details his start in business at a young age and the mentorship he received from his former boss. He has devoted his entire adult life to building his car business into what it is today and expanding over the years. He gives a lot of credit to the employees and the people of Pellegrino Auto Sales for its longstanding success. Guy is a graduate of BHS and a local boy through and through, and gives back to his communit...
Bill Hume, Foxprowl Collectables
August 10, 2022 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBThis episode we were joined by local comic, pop culture, star wars aficionado- Bill Hume of Foxprowl Collectables. Bill brings his humor and pop culture knowledge to the interview and speaks about the growth of his business from hobby to full time job since 1999. Foxprowl is a collectables store in Batavia that specializes in unique items from the 70s, 80s but also has a flair for the new age of collectables with Marvel and Star Wars items. To learn more about our Genesee County businesse...
Mitch Kolb, Batavia Garage Door
July 29, 2022 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBThis episode we were joined by new business owner Mitch Kolb of Batavia Garage Door Co. Mitch had worked at Batavia Garage door for many years before having the opportunity to take over the business in the Fall of 2020. Listen to his inspiring story of the heart and compassion he has experienced in the local business community in Genesee County, NY. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Matty Gray, Alex's Place and Eli Fish Brewing
July 13, 2022 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBThis episode we were joined by local businessman and community savant, Matty Gray. Born and raised in Batavia, Matty has had a huge impact on this community in his ownership of multiple businesses, and his involvement in the development of Genesee County, where he calls home. In this conversation he speaks about how he cut his teeth in business at an early age and moved to North Carolina to open up a pizza place. After having some success down there, he decided to move back home to start ...
Jessica Pratt and Zach Kobylanski, Local Business Moguls
June 16, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBThis episode we were joined by Jessica Pratt and Zach Kobylanski, both young business people who operate businesses of their own. Jess owns a fitness center, Whole Life Fitness, and Zach a landscaping company, Versascape. In the past two years they have partnered on many new business ventures: -Pro-Kleen, a powerwashing and residential and commercial cleaning company. -The Lost Sock Laundromat, a self-service laundromat in Pavilion. -585 Sealcoating, a residential and commercial sealcoati...
Sharon Coyle-Farley, Rolling Hills Asylum
May 11, 2022 15:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBThis episode we were joined by longtime proprietress of Rolling Hills Asylum, Sharon Coyle. Established in 1827, the Genesee County Poor House (now Rolling Hills Asylum) soon became a refuge for some of society's less fortunate. With over 1,700 documented deaths and hundreds not recorded, Haunted North America has rated it as the second most haunted site in the United States! Right here in East Bethany, NY! In June 2008, Sharon came to Rolling Hills Asylum as part of a Darkness Radio event...
Don Brown, Charles Men Shop and Batavia Bootery
April 27, 2022 18:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBThis episode we were joined by Don Brown of Charles Men Shop and Batavia Bootery. Family owned & operated since 1947, Charles Men's Shop, Inc. has been Batavia's number one choice for fine men's clothing for many years. Due to a partnership with PW Minor, they have also operated Batavia Bootery in Downtown Batavia since 2017. Don speaks of his expertise in the business and how over many years the traditions at Charles Men's Shop have remained the same. They have adapted to the new styles ...
Judy Hysek, Eden Cafe and Bakeshop
April 21, 2022 12:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBThis episode we were joined by Judy Hysek from Eden Cafe- Genesee County's first and only vegan eatery! Judy got her start with Eden in 2017 in a foodie challenge competition where the winner got to utilize space inside of Eli Fish Brewing as a "restaurant incubator kitchen." This allowed her to build the business and benefit from the advice of people who were already in the business. Now, after a few years of growth and success, Judy has officially moved the business to it's own location ...
Brian Kemp, T-Shirts Etc
April 12, 2022 18:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBThis episode we were joined by local businessman and artist, Brian Kemp. Brian's business, T Shirts-Etc, is celebrating 25 years of existence this year with its history of multiple locations across Batavia. Brian grew up in Batavia and highlights his start in the Harvester Center and how he has grown and changed the business in it's lifetime. He talks about his passion for art and his different projects across town and the designer experience he brings to his customers. To learn more abou...
Noah Whiteford, Whiteford Dental Lab
March 09, 2022 21:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBIn this episode we were joined by local business owner, Noah Whiteford of Whiteford Dental Lab. Whiteford Dental is a fixed prosthetic lab in Batavia NY that specializes in implant and digital dental services- but as Noah would say in layman's terms, "They make teeth". In this spirited conversation, Noah details the immense growth of the business in its short lifetime, and their incessant need of more space. A resident of Batavia, Noah has put in a lot of effort to find a space in the are...
John Roche, Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle Shop
February 22, 2022 21:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBThis episode we were joined by John Roche, current owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle Store. John details the history of the iconic toy store in Downtown Batavia and the visitors that return year after year. He talks about how he got into the business back in 2000 and how his childhood passion for bicycles inspired him to take the leap into ownership. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Kent Ewell, O'Lacy's Irish Pub
February 15, 2022 19:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBThis episode we were joined by local businessman, Kent Ewell, owner of O'Lacy's Irish Pub in Batavia. Kent details his life and career before the pub and his inspiration for opening it up 25 years ago. He talks about the research he did and the importance he placed on making it look and feel like a true Irish Pub. O'Lacy's has become a local staple and gathering place for the people in Genesee County, NY. They also pour a perfect Guiness and have one hell of a Reuben. To learn more abou...
Jon Mager, Arctic Refrigeration and Eli Fish
February 09, 2022 14:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBSeason two officially launched after a slight delay. This episode we were joined by Jon Mager, of the Mager Family, the people behind Arctic Refrigeration in Batavia. He details the history of the family owned business that has spanned over 75 years and was started by his grandfather in his garage on Otis St in Batavia. Jon goes on to speak about his newest venture, the famous Eli Fish Brewing Co, located on Main St in Batavia- the only brewery of its kind in Genesee County. To learn more...
Episode 14, Paul Marchese, Marchese Computer Products
November 19, 2021 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBIn the season finale of Season 1 of Behind The Business, we were joined by local information technology legend, Paul Marchese, of Marchese Computer Products. In this fun conversation with Paul we talk about the ins and outs of his business and how it has changed over the past 40 years. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Episode 13, Mike Hodgins, Hodgins Printing
November 10, 2021 14:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBThis episode we were joined by long time local business owner Mike Hodgins. Mike and his family have owned and operated Hodgins Printing and John's Studios since the late 50s. Mike's father, John, started the business and in this episode Mike details the story behind their business. He also speaks of the change in the industry and how they have adapted over the past twenty or so years. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Episode 12, Brandon Armstrong, Royals Barbershop
November 02, 2021 20:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBThis episode we were joined by local entrepreneur Brandon Armstrong, of Royals Barbershop in Batavia. Brandon has operated his own business since his early 20s and has always wanted to use his creativity to provide for himself and his community. Brandon talks about his younger days and his inspiration to be a barber, and the few different opportunities that have come his way over his time as a local business owner in Batavia. He also highlights his aspirations for the future, and what he th...
Episode 11: Chris VanDusen and Shelly Wolaske, Empire Hemp
October 21, 2021 16:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBThis episode we were joined by the newest dynamic duo of local business in Genesee County, Chris and Shelly from Empire Hemp in Batavia. The new health and wellness shop opened up in April of 2021 on Main St in the Masonic Temple building. Empire Hemp Co. produces a wide range of Hemp Derived CBD products for the purpose of providing happiness, health, healing and wellness. In this episode they detail their standards on creating the many different products they offer and the local growers ...
Episode 10: Tim Call, Empire Tractor
October 13, 2021 15:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBThis episode we were joined by a member of our prominent agricultural community here in Genesee County.: Tim Call, of Empire Tractor. He joined us to detail his time at the business in Batavia and how he impulsively got into ownership. He goes on to detail his family's long history of agriculture businesses and various community support in our region. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Episode 9: Gregory Hallock, GOART!
September 30, 2021 17:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBThis episode, to celebrate National Podcast Day, we were joined by the incredibly vibrant and entertaining Gregory Hallock from GOART! He joined us in the podcast studio hosted in GOART's upstairs rooms, where we record all episodes of Behind The Business. In this episode he details his time at GOART and the many upcoming events and initiatives they are planning in the future. He also speaks of his time in NYC and other locations around the world- and why he decided to settle in Batavia N...
Episode 8, Rob Credi, Pub Coffee Hub
September 16, 2021 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBThis episode we were joined by Rob Credi of Pub Coffee Hub, or Pub Hub Coffee whichever you prefer. He details his transition from food truck to brick and mortar location at the Harvester Center in Batavia. He calls upon his past history of coffee shop ownership in Batavia and the lessons he has learned since then to make his current venture successful today. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Episode 7: Candace Hensel, Byron Hotel
September 10, 2021 13:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBThis episode we were joined by long time owner, Candy Hensel, of the Byron Hotel. This iconic establishment located at the four corners of Byron has a long standing relationship with the people of the area. Built in the late 1800s, it has always been the centerpiece of its community. Candy details her twenty years of owning the business and the challenges and successes in that time. She wants the hotel to continue to be the central meeting place for the community of Byron and its surroundin...
Episode 6: Bill Hayes, Turnbull HVAC
August 25, 2021 17:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBThis week we were joined by local legend William "Bill" Hayes of Turnbull HVAC. Bill purchased the business from local businessman, Roy Turnbull, in 1991. Since then, Bill has been a an extremely active member of the Genesee County business community. He details the early days of his time in Batavia, the community around him, and the family support he attributes to his success. Truly a wonderful interview! To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.cha...
Episode 5: Matt Walther and Casey Mehlenbacher, BeyonDriven
July 27, 2021 19:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBThis episode we were joined by Matt and Casey from BeyonDriven in Le Roy NY. This new fitness facility and gym opened up in 2020, shortly before the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic. They describe to us the work they have done renovating the building and all the hurdles they have overcome in the short life of the business. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Episode 5: BeyonDriven
July 27, 2021 19:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBThis episode we were joined by Matt and Casey from BeyonDriven in Le Roy NY. This new fitness facility and 24/7 gym opened up in 2019, shortly before the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Matt and Casey describe to us the work they have done renovating the place, all the hurdles they have overcome in the short life of the business, and the sense of community they have built in its membership.
Episode 4: Mama Chavez's Taqueria
July 16, 2021 19:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBThis week we were joined by Mama Chavez herself! Accompanied by her son and business partner, Jose, Mama told us her story and the story of her dream that became reality in Mama Chavez's Taqueria in Le Roy NY.
Episode 4: Jose and Maria Chavez, Mama Chavez's Taqueria
July 16, 2021 19:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBThis week we were joined by Mama Chavez herself! Accompanied by her son and business partner, Jose, Mama told us her story and the story of her dream that became reality in Mama Chavez's Taqueria in Le Roy NY. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Episode 3: Steve Pies, Max Pies Furniture
June 24, 2021 13:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBFamily owned and operated by the Pies family for over 100 years, Max Pies Furniture has become an icon of local business in Genesee County NY. 4th generation owner, Steve Pies, shares with us some of the stories and history of this iconic furniture store in Batavia. Whether you call him Steve or Furniture Boy.... You're not gonna wanna miss this! To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Episode 2: Kathy Ferrara, Batavia's Original Pizzeria
June 15, 2021 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBTo learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Episode 1: Danielle Rotondo, Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility
May 25, 2021 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn the maiden voyage of Behind The Business, Erik and Steven sit down with third generation owner, Danielle Rotondo, of Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility. Hear Danielle's story and the history of her family's growth and development in Batavia NY. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/
Behind The Business Episode 1: Danielle Rotondo, Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility
May 25, 2021 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn the maiden voyage of Behind The Business, Erik and Steven sit down with third generation owner, Danielle Rotondo, of Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility. Hear Danielle's story and the history of her family's growth and development in Batavia NY.