Shows / Upstate Impact

Upstate Impact
Join us as we celebrate business owners, leaders, and influential figures shaping Central New York. Through stories and expert insights, we uncover their path, the challenges they faced, and the impact they are making in their industries and communities.
Episodes
Upstate ImpactEP. 56 - Bronson Kopp
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 55 - Nick Moore
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 54 - Gary Gait
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 53 - Ryan Novak
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 52 - Matt Flood
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 51 - Dr. Brittany Schuler
This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with Dr. Brittany Schuller, founder of Mini Milestones Physical Therapy. Brittany specializes in pediatric neuro…
Upstate ImpactEP. 50 - Nick Riley
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 49 - Catherine Donahue
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 48 - Jovan Miller
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 47 - Amy Nickels
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 46 - Antoine Smith
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 45 - Dan Tagliamonte
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 44 - Laiza Semidey
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 43 - Eddie Brennan
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 42 - Scott Herron
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 41 - Lynn Farquhar
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 40 - Kayleigh Payne
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 39 - Jackie Lodge
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 38 - Tori Kroll
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 37 - Alex Gonzalez
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 36 - Craig Kowadla
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 35 - Dylan Donahue
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 34 - Joe Stray
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 33 - John Vavalo
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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 32 - TheKandiGod
🎧🔥 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…
Upstate ImpactEP. 31 - Dr. Sam Lombardi
This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with Dr. Sam Lombardi, founder of Primal Chiropractic, a family-centered practice focused on nervous system-based…
Upstate ImpactEP. 30 - Eric Devendorf
This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with Eric Devendorf, former Syracuse basketball star, professional basketball player, coach, and mentor who continues…
Upstate ImpactEP. 29 - Ryan Woodruff
This week on Upstate Impact, we're sitting down with Ryan Woodruff, CEO at Clear Path for Veterans, to talk about his journey, leadership, and the powerful…
Upstate ImpactEP. 28 - Ashlee Fiorini
On this episode of Upstate Impact, we sit down with Ashlee Fiorini, founder of Pulse Lagree Fitness, to talk about how discovering Lagree completely changed…
Upstate ImpactEP. 27 - Kelly Landau
This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with Kelly Landau, the inspiring founder behind Synple, a brand built on making wellness, beauty, and self-care feel…
Upstate ImpactEP. 26 - Kristen Cuthbert
This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with Kristen Cuthbert, the visionary designer behind Kristen Cuthbert Design, known for transforming everyday spaces…
Upstate ImpactEP. 25 - Bob Shattell
This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with Bob Shattell, founder of Salt City Prospects, a coach who turned his passion for hockey into a program that’s…
Upstate ImpactEP. 24 - DJ Lenny MvdHitz
This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with DJ Lenny MvdHitz, the creative force behind some of Central New York’s biggest events! 🎧🔥✨ Jasper shares how his…
Upstate ImpactEP. 23 - Rob Zaccaria
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…
Upstate ImpactEP 22 - Mark DeAngelis Jr.
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…
Upstate ImpactEP 21 - Andrew Lunetta
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…
Upstate ImpactEP 20 - Pat Fleming
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…
Upstate ImpactEP 19 - Derek Baichi
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…
Upstate ImpactEP 18 Tim Beauvais
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…
Upstate ImpactEP 17- Mary M. Thompson
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…
Upstate ImpactEP 16 - Anthony Tringale
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…
Upstate ImpactEP 15 - Brandon Triche
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…
Upstate ImpactEP 14 - Chris Bily
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…
Upstate ImpactEP 13 - Patrick Rohe
In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Patrick Rohe! This conversation explores how Patrick got into economics, Rockbridge Investment…
Upstate ImpactEP 12 - Mike O'Leary
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…
Upstate ImpactEP11 - Joe Pompo
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…
Upstate ImpactE10 - Tracy Dando
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…
Upstate ImpactE9 - John Mossotti
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…
Upstate ImpactE8 - Shellie Rizza
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…
Upstate ImpactE7 - Margaret Dietz
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…
Upstate ImpactE6 - Steve Case
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…
Upstate ImpactE5 - Brook Bregman
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…
Upstate ImpactE4 - Michaela Kawryga
In this episode of Upstate Impact, Luke sits down with Michaela Kawryga, owner of The Emerson, Soul Society, and GlamSquadSyr, to talk about her…
Upstate ImpactE3 - Adam Mazzoni
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…
Upstate ImpactE2 - Mike Greene
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…
Upstate ImpactE1 - Scott Gasparini
Luke sits down with Scott Gasparini, VP of Gasparini Landscaping, to discuss transforming outdoor spaces, tackling new construction and renovations, and the…