Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JEFF KRAKOFF AT:

Website: https://krakoffcomm.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krakoff_communications

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krakoffcomm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/krakoff-communications

Surround Yourself With Good People | Toni Shelaske, Owner of Healthy Pet Products

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Toni Shelaske, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 01:03:01 +0000

Toni Shelaske purchased Healthy Pet Products in 2008, and she has grown it to four locations. Her company stands out for its customer service and for specializing in raw pet food for dogs and cats. In our conversation, she explains the benefits of being a raw feeder and how she expanded that part of her business. By the way, this is a great episode for learning more about the reasons why someone would buy an existing business instead of creating one from scratch. Toni and I also talk about the fun she is having with her own podcast called Toni Unleashed.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH TONI SHELASKE AT:

Website: https://healthypetproducts.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthypetproducts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthyPetProducts

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthypetproducts222

Introducing Season 12 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:25:20 +0000

The theme for this season is “in studio” as I’m back in the studio recording with all of my guests. Check out the incredible lineup that I have for you in Season 12:

Toni Shelaske, owner of Healthy Pet Products

Jeff Krakoff, owner of Krakoff Communications

Steve Dawson, owner of Fat Butcher

Jen Worley, owner of Jen Barker Worley Photography

Sidney and Terri Sokoloff, owner and founder of Specialty Group

Patrick Schober, owner of Poetica Marketing

Lisa Grazan, owner of Brilliant Biographies

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Get Good First | Destin LeCornu, Owner of Sunset Place Studio

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Destin LeCornu, Darin Vilano) — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:25:06 +0000

Getting to tour Destin LeCornu’s recording studio was an incredible opportunity. In this episode, he invites us behind the scenes to see everything that goes into making a state-of-the-art facility. The place has vintage vibes, and the multi-room setup gives you the sense that you walked onto a movie set.

Destin is an audio engineer, producer, teacher, and accomplished musician. He plays several different instruments, and he is a vocalist too. In our conversation, he describes how his father, a Nashville singer-songwriter, influenced him from a young age. Destin has managed to create a full-time career in the music industry, which is no small feat in a city the size of Pittsburgh.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DESTIN LECORNU AT:

Website: https://www.sunsetplacestudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinlecornu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075963441408

Keep Nurturing Your Idea | Claire Landuyt, Owner of Chez Lapin

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Claire Landuyt, Darin Vilano) — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:12:03 +0000

During our conversation, Claire told the story of how she transitioned from theatre management to working for herself full time. She described how Chez Lapin evolved from a home-based Etsy shop to an established business with a full-fledged production facility.

Claire’s focus on eco-friendly and cruelty-free products is clearly an important part of her mission. Over the years, she has donated her time and a percentage of profits to several different rabbit rescue organizations. “Chez Lapin” is French for rabbit house, and the choice of name was inspired by Claire’s love for rabbits and French culture. I even got to meet her newly adopted companion and shop mascot, Tipsy, a cute little lionhead rabbit. Enjoy this episode!

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH CLAIRE LANDUYT AT:

Website: https://www.chezlapingoods.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chezlapingoods

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChezLapinGoods

Adopt an Abundance Mindset | Chi Ilochi, Owner of Styling By Chi

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Chi Ilochi, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 1 Sep 2023 03:58:13 +0000

Chi Ilochi is a one-of-a-kind fashion stylist whose work stands out in the local scene. Although Pittsburgh isn’t generally thought of as a fashion hub, Chi has managed to build a successful brand and business right here at home.

Her refreshing approach has been one of inclusiveness and accessibility. Core to her mission is reaching groups of people who traditionally have been written off by the mainstream fashion industry. Chi has also engaged in projects with non-profits, which is rare in her line of work.

In our conversation, Chi talks about the development of her confidence, which has given her the courage to be herself. This has also allowed her to get the best out of her clients by advising them on the importance of authenticity.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH CHI ILOCHI AT:

Website: https://stylingbychi.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StylingByChi

Email: Stylingbychi1@gmail.com

You Have to Be Patient | Dean Privett, Co-Owner of Moments Climbing USA

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Dean Privett, Darin Vilano) — Thu, 25 May 2023 14:29:03 +0000

In this episode, I took a tour of Iron City Boulders in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Dean Privett, a co-owner of the indoor bouldering gym, showed me around while we talked about his impressive facility and the growing climbing industry. His journey to entrepreneurship was 10 years in the making, and he shared his amazing story with me during our time together. You can tell from listening to Dean just how much he loves climbing and the cohesive community he and his team are building in Pittsburgh and in their Florida location. In fact, Dean and his European business partners are planning an eventual expansion across the U.S. in the years to come. Enjoy this sneak peek into the fascinating world of indoor climbing.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DEAN PRIVETT AT:

Website: https://ironcityboulders.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironcityboulders

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironcityboulders

Spend the Time to Get Advice | Nikhil Asher, M.D., Founder of Aspirational Health

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Dr. Nikhil Asher, Darin Vilano) — Tue, 4 Apr 2023 11:34:56 +0000

Dr. Nikhil Asher realized his dream of creating an integrated health and wellness center when he opened Aspirational Health in 2022. The brand new facility, which was the site of a former fast food restaurant, features a spacious on-site yoga and fitness studio. In addition to traditional medical services, patients also have access to a complete wellness program, including nutrition management, fitness instruction, and physical therapy.

Aspirational Health is an independent primary care medical practice that also functions as an urgent care facility. In our conversation, Dr. Asher describes how his background in critical care medicine and internal medicine, as well as his administrative position at a regional healthcare system, gave him the leadership experience he needed to operate his own private practice. His desire to treat people from a holistic perspective, and to help fill in the missing gaps in their care, has driven him to create a truly unique patient experience in our region.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DR. NIKHIL ASHER AT:

Website: https://aspirationalhealthandwellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspirationalhealthandwellness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aspirationalhealthandwellness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspirational-health

Believe and You Can Achieve | Jill Garcia, Owner of The Hutton Group

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Jill Garcia, Darin Vilano) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 22:30:20 +0000

In this episode, I take a look at a beautiful local venue from a unique vantage point. My guest, Jill Garcia, owner of The Hutton Group, gives me a tour of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in downtown Pittsburgh. This is just one example of the many event spaces that she utilizes in and around the city for her business meeting and event planning company. Jill also travels throughout the United States and abroad, as she creates and executes corporate events that are customized for her many business clients.

In our conversation, Jill talks about what it was like to purchase The Hutton Group just before the pandemic. She describes what is required to be successful in this highly competitive space. Although the hospitality and event planning industries are often viewed as glamorous and exciting, this episode gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the long hours and intense demands that often come along with the territory. Jill also shares a fun story of getting to meet one of her favorite celebrities early in her career.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JILL GARCIA AT:

Website: https://thehuttongroup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehuttongroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehuttongroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillgarciainspired

If You Have the Drive, Just Do It | Danielle Bombash, Co-Owner of Bombash and Earley

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Danielle Bombash, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:57:15 +0000

In this exciting “behind-the-scenes” episode, Danielle Bombash, co-owner of Bombash and Earley, gives us a tour of her store and production space. She and her husband, Tim, run the business out of a charming storefront that resembles a cottage-style home in McMurray, PA. Their impressive and extensive lineup of botanical skin care products is made entirely by hand in small batches from this location.

After viewing their retail displays in the front of the store, I got to see their main production room in the back of the house, which is typically off-limits to customers. Danielle described how their products are made from raw ingredients, and she showed me some of the equipment that’s used in the creation process. We had a terrific discussion about the origin of the business, how she and Tim balance their unique approaches to entrepreneurship, and why family is a central part of what they are building.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DANIELLE BOMBASH AT:

Website: https://bombashearley.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bombashbotanical

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bombashandearley

Introducing Season 11 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 22:04:21 +0000

Season 11 consists of episodes that are all recorded “on location” at unique venues. I decided to get out of the studio and into the city in order to bring you behind the scenes of some amazing local businesses. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the nitty-gritty of how a business operates, then this is the season for you. Each episode includes a tour of the location, and we get access to parts of the business that most people never get to see. Plus, we have the added benefit of sitting down with the entrepreneurs to discuss the origin stories behind their business concepts.

Thanks for listening and for your support. If you’re enjoying the podcast, tell a friend. Keep spreading the word, and keep supporting our local businesses. As always, feel free to reach out to me using my contact info below. Take care, and talk to you soon.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Let People Know That You Care | Donna Vilano (My Mom), Retired and Former Owner of Studio 507 Hair Salon

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Donna Vilano, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 22:53:00 +0000

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Today Is the Day | Jim Shorkey, Former Owner of the Jim Shorkey Family Auto Group

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Jim Shorkey, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 7 Jan 2023 21:31:50 +0000

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JIM SHORKEY AT:

Website: https://resultsfromthinking.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimshorkeyjr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResultsfromThinking

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/results-from-thinking-llc

Small Business Roundtable Discussion | Lauren Marts, Duztin Watson, and RJ Huebert

Fri, 4 Nov 2022 22:29:49 +0000

I’m pleased to welcome three incredible guests back to the show – Lauren Marts, owner of Baked True North, Duztin Watson, owner of The RiP Group, and RJ Huebert, owner of HBT Digital Consulting. In this in-depth episode, we cover a wide variety of topics, including the critical role that small businesses play in the community and how to attract and retain talented people on your team. Plus, each of our guests gives us an update on the latest developments in their businesses and current trends in their industries.

If you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So, please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!

Also, check out my guests’ original episodes from when they first appeared on the podcast to share their origin stories.

Lauren Marts – Season 5, Episode 5: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/collaboration-over-competition-lauren-marts-owner-of-baked-true-north

Duztin Watson – Season 5, Episode 35: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/work-on-yourself-every-day-of-your-life-duztin-watson-owner-of-the-rip-group

RJ Huebert – Season 5, Episode 34: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/be-open-and-share-your-knowledge-rj-huebert-owner-of-hbt-digital-consulting

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH LAUREN MARTS AT:

Website: https://bakedtruenorth.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakedtruenorth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bakedtruenorth

YOU CAN REACH DUZTIN WATSON AT:

Website: https://ripusa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theripgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiPUSAInc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ripusainc.

YOU CAN REACH RJ HUEBERT AT:

Website: https://hbtdigital.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbtdigitalconsulting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbtdigitalconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hbtdigitalconsulting

Small Business Roundtable Discussion | TJ Fairchild, Dr. Natalie Gentile, and George Cook

Sat, 22 Oct 2022 18:39:09 +0000

In this all-star lineup of Pittsburgh entrepreneurs, Dr. Natalie Gentile, TJ Fairchild, and George Cook are all back on the show. We cover a wide variety of topics including the importance of investing in our local communities, when to build team, how to navigate a hybrid work environment, dealing with growth challenges, and much more. It was such a pleasure to sit down and chat with these dynamic small business owners. I was blown away by how committed they are to supporting our local communities. I know you will enjoy this enlightening discussion.

If you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So, please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!

Also, check out my guests’ original episodes from when they first appeared on the podcast to share their origin stories.

Dr. Natalie Gentile – Season 7, Episode 4: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/do-what-is-authentic-to-you-natalie-gentile-md-co-founder-of-direct-care-physicians-of-pittsburgh

TJ Fairchild – Season 3, Episode 3: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/put-people-first-tj-fairchild-owner-of-commonplace-coffee

George Cook – Season 5, Episode 22: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/entrepreneurship-is-a-long-term-commitment-george-cook-co-founder-of-honeycomb-credit

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DR. NATALIE GENTILE AT:

Website: https://www.directcarepgh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliegentilemd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directcarepgh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirectCarePgh

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-gentile-md

YOU CAN REACH TJ FAIRCHILD AT:

Website: https://commonplacecoffee.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonplacecoffee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commonplacecoffee

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commonplace-coffee

YOU CAN REACH GEORGE COOK AT:

Website: https://www.honeycombcredit.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeycombcredit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeycombcredit

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honeycomb-credit

Entrepreneurship Is a Game of Pivots | Ben Kander, Founder of Welly

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Ben Kander, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 1 Oct 2022 01:28:05 +0000

Welly was born from the lasting impression that Ben Kander’s late mother had on him and from his passion for addressing the water insecurity that is prevalent in much of the developing world. In fact, the name Welly stems from the combination of the word “wells,” which is central to the company’s mission of funding clean water projects, and the word “Elly,” which was the name his mom was affectionately known by. Ben decided that he wanted to do work that would have a positive impact on our global community and environment and that honored his mother’s legacy.

Ben and his team have built a recognizable and successful brand in the highly competitive reusable drinkware industry, which is dominated by overseas supply chains. The impact of the pandemic made him realize just how vulnerable we are to making products half a world away. He began to wonder why no competitor was making these products in the United States, so he started to research the feasibility of doing just that. It turns out that Pittsburgh has all of the right ingredients for creating twenty-first century, high-tech, lean manufacturing. We have a skilled labor force, experience with steel and durable materials, a growing robotics and automation sector, and advanced engineering professionals. In our conversation, Ben talks about his plans for building the country’s first manufacturing facility for reusable drinkware and the many lessons he has learned in running a rapidly growing business.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH BEN KANDER AT:

Website: https://www.wellybottle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellybottle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellybottle

Figure Out What You're Good At | Christian Kahle and Matt Brudnok, Owners of Lucky Sign Spirits

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Christian Kahle, Matt Brudnok, Darin Vilano) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH CHRISTIAN KAHLE AND MATT BRUDNOK AT:

Website: https://www.luckysignspirits.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckysignspirits

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luckysignspirits

Introducing Season 10 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 12:13:22 +0000

Hello Pittsburgh. It’s your host, Darin Vilano, and I’m super excited to bring you the next season of the podcast. Season 10 is truly special. I will be bringing you some very unique episodes including a “live audience” recording, two group panels with prior guests, fascinating discussions with leading Pittsburgh entrepreneurs, and a conversation with my mom, Donna Vilano.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Trust Your Gut | Samantha Story-Camp, Owner of Pip & Lola's

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Samantha Story-Camp, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:04:18 +0000

Samantha Story-Camp’s purchase of a homemade soap recipe book was supposed to be a creative way for her to provide gifts to fellow theatre actors after the final night of performances. One evening, she found herself at a local small business association workshop on how to start a business. Her and a friend were interested in creating a singing telegram company with a unique spin. Their idea never got off the ground, but what she learned planted the seed for another entrepreneurial venture. After receiving initial feedback from her friends and online community, Samantha decided to launch Pip & Lola’s.

Samantha eventually moved back to Pittsburgh, the city where she received her theatre degree from Point Park University. She and her husband opened a storefront, and Pip & Lola’s began to grow. The company, which is named after two of her children, is a thriving family business with two locations. They also have a generous donation program in which they provide bars of soap to regional domestic violence shelters and other local charities. In this episode, Samantha talks about what she’s learned from over a decade in business and how her theatre background helps her to relate and communicate with her many loyal customers.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH SAMANTHA STORY-CAMP AT:

Website: https://www.pipandlola.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pipandlola

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pipandlola

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pipandlolas

Own Your Time | Brandon Gilbert, Owner of the Pittsburgh Mobile Tire Shop

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Brandon Gilbert, Darin Vilano) — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 15:53:29 +0000

Brandon Gilbert decided to put his business and mechanical engineering background to work in his own company when he started the Pittsburgh Mobile Tire Shop. After numerous subpar experiences at traditional repair stores, he decided that there had to be a better way to provide this important service. Low startup costs and lack of competition in the region enticed Brandon to launch a mobile operation where he could bring the tire shop directly to his customers. In this relaxing and low-pressure environment, people are free to ask questions and develop trust and rapport with him and his staff.

Although Brandon became disenfranchised from years of corporate politics, he still needed to overcome the fear of starting his own business. Easing into it by working on it part time helped him to build the confidence to step out on his own. Today, he is leading a thriving operation in an economy that is looking for convenience more than ever before. He recently opened a brick-and-mortar location to expand his service offerings and to compliment his mobile business. When you listen to our conversation you can tell just how seriously Brandon takes customer service and doing a quality job.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH BRANDON GILBERT AT:

Website: https://pghmobiletires.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pghmobiletires

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pghmobiletires

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-gilbert-88bb191a5

Believe That You Can Do It | Taylor Fowler, Owner of Taylor Fowler Writing and PR

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Taylor Fowler, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:06:43 +0000

At the beginning of 2020, Taylor Fowler was at a crossroads in her career. She had a full-time job, but she also had a few clients in her copywriting and public relations business. Unsatisfied with the feeling of burnout that this was causing, she made a decision to go all in as an entrepreneur. Although progress took time, she started to gain momentum with attracting clients and doing the work that she loved. She also started to build confidence in the area of public relations, which wasn’t initially a focal point for her services. Believing in herself and putting in the daily effort proved to make all the difference in her success.

Taylor’s love for writing began at a young age, and she has accumulated a library of personal journals over the course of her life. Always one to gravitate to creative writing classes and journalism, Taylor has developed a talent for non-fiction storytelling. Today, she works with artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and unique brands to help them craft their best stories. She has a knack for bringing out the raw, human, and emotional side of her subjects in a way that is refreshing and insightful. Taylor’s freelance writing can also be found in numerous online publications.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH TAYLOR FOWLER AT:

Website: https://www.taylorfowler.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorfowlerpr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorifowler

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorfowlerpr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/t-fowler

Know What's Most Valuable to You | Jason DeRose, Owner of Gymsupps

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Jason DeRose, Darin Vilano) — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:34:52 +0000

Jason DeRose was working as a strength and conditioning coach for a local high school in 2005 when it became the focus of a nationally televised reality show on ESPN. The football team, which was once the pride of its Pittsburgh-area community, was on a perennial losing streak. This all turned around once Dick Butkus and other NFL and top collegiate coaching and training talent entered the picture to lead the team for one season. Jason soaked up this opportunity to learn all that he could, and a trip to San Diego for additional training inspired him to launch Faster Fitness, an athletic performance center with two Pittsburgh regional locations.

In 2015, Jason was accused of physically assaulting another employee at the high school where he was employed. He maintained his innocence and took his case all the way to trial where he was acquitted of any wrongdoing. Although he was reinstated in the school district, this unfortunate experience caused him to shift his focus to his rapidly growing gym business. A self-proclaimed supplement fanatic, Jason was always on the lookout for new products to offer his personal training clients. It was by chance that he was introduced to someone in the supplement industry, and the seed was planted for what would become Gymsupps in 2017.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JASON DEROSE AT:

Website: https://gymsupps.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_gymsupps

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamgymsupps

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gymsupps-org

There's More Than One Way to Give Back | Carolyn Keller, Owner of Curio412

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Carolyn Keller, Darin Vilano) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 22:26:06 +0000

In 2019, Carolyn Keller decided that it was time to put her non-profit operational and curatorial background to work in her own firm. She launched Curio412 as consultancy designed for organizations that want to make a lasting impact with their philanthropic missions and giving strategies and programs. As a proud Pittsburgh native, Carolyn chose to put the 412 in her business name as a reminder of the important work that needs to be done in our regional communities and neighborhoods.

From the outset, Carolyn understood that she was uniquely positioned and qualified to serve as a bridge between non-profits and for-profit enterprises. Her work experience, skills, and deep knowledge of both sectors has allowed her to effectively address the needs of each group. As part of a larger team or as an independent contractor, she has worked on diverse projects and programs to help organizations of all types to make a difference in the areas that matter to them. In our conversation, Carolyn talks about the importance of alignment between business mission and philanthropic goals and why it’s necessary to develop a giving strategy that’s authentic and organic to the organization.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH CAROLYN KELLER AT:

Website: https://www.curio412.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curio412

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/curio412

See Your Idea All the Way Through | Jordan Schulz, Co-Owner of Lifeside Studios

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Jordan Schulz) — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 20:55:10 +0000

When Jordan Schulz was introduced to Zach Miller in 2019, little did they know that their collaboration would take them far beyond the performance stages of Pittsburgh. At the time, Jordan was looking for a guitarist to complement his vocals, and Zach was open to trying out a few gigs with someone new. Their musical styles, instincts, and preferences were similar, and they quickly hit it off. But it was when they began to spend more time together off stage that they realized just how much their skill sets were a match. Jordan’s marketing, design, and media background combined with Zach’s audio engineering and production knowledge culminated in the creation of Lifeside Studios.

Jordan and Zach share a passion to help aspiring and established musicians bring their music to life. With Lifeside Studios, they are able to assist artists in a number of ways including marketing, promotions, website creation, social media strategy, song development, music videos, audio engineering, production, and music recording. They also have the ability to operate as a mobile studio by bringing their equipment with them to record on location in a wide variety of venues. Although their partnership started with a mutual love for discovering Pittsburgh musicians, that vision has now expanded following Zach’s move to the West Coast. Today, the duo continues to write and record new music as well as perform at locations all around the country.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JORDAN SCHULZ AT:

Website: https://www.lifesidestudios.com

Website: https://www.jordanschulzonline.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeside_studios

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifesidestudio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordansschulz

Be Tenacious and Committed to Your Idea | Elisabeth Leach, Co-Founder of The Women's Collective PGH

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Elisabeth Leach) — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 03:45:48 +0000

When Elisabeth Leach met Andrea Belen-Sandhorst in late 2019, they started a conversation about what they valued most in a networking group. Both were developing their own businesses and careers, and they were interested in meeting new people. Although there were other industry-specific and leadership groups available to them, they felt that the Pittsburgh market really needed an organization that catered to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and corporate professionals in all industries and career stages. In early 2020, they launched The Women’s Collective Pittsburgh in order to fulfill their goal of creating a welcoming and powerful community for professional women in our region.

They were only three months into the launch of their networking group when the pandemic shutdown occurred in March 2020, but Elisabeth and Andrea were determined to keep their dream alive. 2020 and 2021 consisted of outdoor events, keeping their attendance levels low, and wearing masks as needed, all in order to adhere to safety protocols while continuing to give their members a reason to come out, socialize, and learn from each other. When their membership base exploded in the spring of 2021, they knew that their new organization could be a full-time business. Today, Elisabeth sets the strategic direction and runs the day-to-day operations as the CEO of The Women’s Collective Pittsburgh.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH ELISABETH LEACH AT:

Website: https://www.jointwc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_womens_collective_pgh

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/twc-pittsburgh

You Have to Do the Work | Emily Bezak, Owner of Emily Bezak Writes

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Emily Bezak) — Fri, 3 Jun 2022 19:01:20 +0000

Emily Bezak’s love for writing began at a young age with journaling and storytelling. She created and maintained a freelance writing business, while she developed her corporate career as a marketer and communications professional. In 2020, Emily wrote a blog post announcing that she would soon leave her job to work full time in her own business. Early that same year, she launched Emily Bezak Writes to offer a suite of social media, copywriting, content creation, and marketing services to both established and startup organizations and businesses.

In this episode, Emily talks about the many gigs, jobs, and corporate positions that she’s held over the years and the role they have played in shaping her marketing philosophy and writing style. We also discuss the impact that working at Sephora had in highlighting her natural gifts in the areas of customer service and communications. Today, Emily is realizing her dream of teaching the next generation of business professionals as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH EMILY BEZAK AT:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyjbezak

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily.bezak

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmilyBezak

We Manifest Our Own Reality | Jan Receski, Owner of OnPar Now

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Jan Receski) — Sat, 14 May 2022 20:41:27 +0000

After a successful 30-year career at prominent local company, Jan Receski was ready for a new challenge, not an early retirement. As she was contemplating her next move, inspiration struck following a poor golf club fitting experience. Selecting and trying out new equipment should be a fun and exciting time for any golfer, yet Jan left feeling underserved, misunderstood, and slightly offended. She quickly realized that the local market was lacking in golf establishments that catered to the needs of an increasing base of female players and enthusiasts.

At the height of the pandemic in early 2021, Jan opened OnPar Now, an inclusive and welcoming indoor golf facility that is especially sensitive to the growing numbers of women players. In this episode, Jan talks about how she cashed out her 401(k) and literally put it all on the line to make her dream a reality. She discusses how she navigated a new world of entrepreneurship by fully immersing herself in every aspect of the development of her business. With each meeting and decision made, she grew more confident throughout the process. And today, she continues to live up to her mantra that “failure is not an option.”

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JAN RECESKI AT:

Website: https://onparnow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onparnow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnParNow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onpar-now

Get Out of Your Own Way | James Mauler, Founder of Cadnetics

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, James Mauler) — Sun, 8 May 2022 03:57:45 +0000

James Mauler was still early in his career when he decided to leave college and take a more hands-on approach with his education. Instead of completing a five-year degree in architecture, Jim realized that he could achieve his professional and financial goals by putting his drafting skills to work on the job. As an example, when computer-aided design (CAD) software was still in its infancy, he was the first person in his firm to volunteer to learn how to use it. This made him a go-to resource in the company, and it gave him the confidence he needed to know that he was on the right track.

In the early 1990s, Jim was terminated from the company that he was working for at the time. He describes this as a blessing in disguise because it gave him a compelling reason to start his own company the very next day. Jim has been at the helm of Cadnetics for nearly 30 years, and his business has undergone tremendous growth and transformation during that time. The firm, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh, also has a presence in four other major markets throughout the country. Jim is currently realizing his vision of expanding to 10 cities in 10 years, and you can tell from our conversation that he is having a lot of fun in the process.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JAMES MAULER AT:

Website: https://www.cadnetics.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadnetics-inc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cadnetics

Start With Why | Patrick Colletti, Refounder of Net Health

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Patrick Colletti) — Sun, 1 May 2022 03:58:54 +0000

In the beginning of his career at Net Health, Patrick Colletti was faced with an unexpected opportunity and a steep hill to climb. It was the early 2000s and the company was teetering on the edge of collapse when board members asked him and another colleague if they wanted one last shot at turning it around. With a lack of job prospects in the wake of 9/11, Patrick felt that he had nothing to lose in giving it a try. The first few years were rough, but their newly organized team eventually got the business on solid ground. Today, Net Health is a leading electronic employee health records, software, and analytics company with an impressive roster of customers which includes over 95% of the country’s largest health care systems.

A few years ago, Patrick stepped down from his position as Net Health’s president, and this transition has placed him in a new role as the company’s advisor and refounder. In 2021, he published his book, which tells the story of his journey and the company’s reinvention and explosive growth over the last twenty years. The book is aptly titled – "Refounder: how transformational leaders take what’s broken and make it better." In our conversation, Patrick discusses the “refounding principles” that served him well in the early days of the turnaround. He also shares the importance of cultivating team and creating culture in building an organization that can stand the test of time.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH PATRICK COLLETTI AT:

Website: https://refounder.com

Website: https://www.nethealth.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-colletti

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrick_colletti

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nethealthfits

Be as Real as Possible | Jess Iacullo, Founder of Hungry Jess Big City

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Jess Iacullo) — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 20:36:15 +0000

Jess Iacullo started her brand, Hungry Jess Big City, as a passion project. It also served to give her a leg up on internship opportunities while she was a student at the University of Pittsburgh. Little did she know at the time but in a few short years her Instagram page would explode to over 35,000 followers. After working with a number of noteworthy media companies, such as Forbes, Business Insider, Food Network, and Discovery Plus, Jess realized that her increasing online popularity may be an avenue for her to explore entrepreneurship.

In 2018, after moving back to Pittsburgh, Jess started to monetize her brand through client work and brand partnerships. Just when things were going well for her, she got an unexpected “cease and desist” letter in the mail from a California attorney. The explosion of her brand had reached across the country and caught the attention of someone with a similar business name. Jess had to go through the excruciating work of renaming and rebranding her company, which took a year to fully complete. Today, Hungry Jess Big City is a thriving business, and Jess currently works with many local and national clients.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JESS IACULLO AT:

Website: https://hungryjessbigcity.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hungryjessbigcity

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hungryjessbigcity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hungry-jess-big-city

Get Clear With What You Want | Adam Williams, Founder of Rust Belt Business Law

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Adam Williams) — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 17:05:41 +0000

Deep in his heart, Adam Williams always knew that he was an entrepreneur. After a relatively short stint working for others, he decided that it was time to hang his own shingle. At first, like with many startups, Adam launched his business as a side gig. But six months later, he was making more money working for himself than at his regular job, plus he had all of the gratification that came with operating his own business. What first began as the Law Office of Adam Williams has been cleverly rebranded as Rust Belt Business Law.

As you will hear in our conversation, Adam didn’t go from zero to runaway success overnight. It was an evolution to get to where he is today, which is the leader of a law firm that has recently been recognized in the top 50 fastest growing firms in the United States. This is all the more impressive when you consider that this happened from his home base in western Pennsylvania, which has been a region of only modest job growth in recent years. With a blue-collar work ethic and a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude that he attributes to his upbringing, Adam remains committed to helping clients “create jobs, pursue opportunities, and improve our economy.”

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH ADAM WILLIAMS AT:

Website: https://www.rustbeltlegal.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rustbeltbusinesslaw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RustBeltLegal

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rustbeltbusinesslaw

Take It One Step at a Time | Dr. Shayla Cammarata, Owner of Ignite Yoga

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Dr. Shayla Cammarata) — Sat, 2 Apr 2022 16:13:51 +0000

An intensive weeklong yoga teacher training in Costa Rica served as a major turning point in Dr. Shayla Cammarata’s relationship to her yoga practice. She was dealing with several very difficult circumstances in her personal and professional life, and this retreat proved to provide the breakthrough that she needed. Upon her return, she embraced yoga wholeheartedly and committed herself to the practice. When her home studio in Wexford closed during the pandemic, Dr. Shayla and many others from that community decided that they had to do something about it.

In 2021, with the support her fellow yoga instructors, Dr. Shayla decided to take the leap and start Ignite Yoga. She has since built a cohesive community where the teachers and students feel a genuine ownership of the studio. In this episode, Dr. Shayla talks about how she balances her work as an emergency room physician with running Ignite Yoga and what it means to work through personal and emotional issues “on the mat” as a daily practice.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DR. SHAYLA CAMMARATA AT:

Website: https://www.igniteyogapgh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igniteyoga_pgh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069043382937

Surround Yourself With People Who Share Similar Goals | Sydney Smyers, Co-Owner of The Maverick Co-Working Space

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Sydney Smyers) — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 00:25:59 +0000

Sydney Smyers is a serial entrepreneur with three businesses under her belt. Her latest venture, The Maverick Co-Working Space, is a modern and comfortable co-working office located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. She and her husband did the bulk of the renovation work to get the location cleaned up and opened in the fall of 2021. The result is a bright, colorful, and flexible space that inspires creativity and productivity. In this episode, Sydney talks about what it’s like to be a partner in multiple businesses and how the idea for The Maverick came to life.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH SYDNEY SMYERS AT:

Website: https://themaverickpgh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themaverickpgh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Maverick-Pgh-101764332269737

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-smyers-mba-7968738b

Introducing Season 9 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 14:37:02 +0000

Hey, everyone. Season 9 is here! It’s full of in-depth conversations and inspiring stories that I know you will enjoy.

Sydney Smyers, owner of The Maverick Co-Working Space, talks about the need for co-working locations in the suburbs. Dr. Shayla Cammarata, owner of Ignite Yoga, describes the important role that yoga studios play in the community. Jess Iacullo, founder of Hungry Jess Big City, tells the story of how a college side project exploded into a brand and business with a huge Instagram following. Adam Williams, founder of Rust Belt Business Law, explains why he chose to take a unique path when renaming and rebranding his law firm. And, Patrick Colletti talks about writing his book and how his role as “refounder” helped save Net Health from the brink of bankruptcy.

I also had incredible conversations with Jim Mauler, founder of Cadnetics, Jan Receski, owner of OnPar Now, Emily Bezak of Emily Bezak Writes, Elisabeth Leach, co-founder of The Women’s Collective Pittsburgh, Jordan Schulz, co-owner of Lifeside Studios, and more.

These interviews are an excellent way for us to get to know our local entrepreneurial community on a much deeper lever. They are a chance to hear their stories and engage with them in their businesses. This is how we build a more vibrant small business community in Pittsburgh.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Small Business Roundtable Discussion | Kristen Ricupero, Wendy Gilch, and Jessie Tait

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 23:38:26 +0000

Kristen Ricupero, owner of Financial Fitness Coaching, Wendy Gilch, owner of SellingLater.com, and Jessie Tait, owner of Enspra, are my guests for this small business roundtable episode. All three of them have been on the show previously, and each contributes generously to a dynamic, relevant, and entertaining discussion. Some of the many topics we cover include lessons learned from business mistakes, how to recession-proof your business, setting an example for your kids as a mompreneur, and ideas for adapting to the realities of the current labor market. Please enjoy this episode, and keep the ideas coming for guests that you’d like to see back on the podcast.

If you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So, please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!

Kristen Ricupero’s original episode: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/dont-be-afraid-to-ask-for-help-kristen-ricupero-owner-of-financial-fitness-coaching

Wendy Gilch’s original episode: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/dont-try-to-be-perfect-wendy-gilch-owner-of-sellinglatercom

Jessie Tait’s original episode: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/do-something-that-adds-value-to-the-market-jessie-tait-owner-of-enspra

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH KRISTEN RICUPERO AT:

Website: https://financialfitnesscoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financial.fitness.coaching

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialfitnesscoach18

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-ricupero

YOU CAN REACH WENDY GILCH AT:

Website: https://www.sellinglater.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selling_later

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sellinglater

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendygilch

YOU CAN REACH JESSIE TAIT AT:

Website: https://www.enspra.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Enspra

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessietait

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enspra1

Small Business Roundtable Discussion | Matt Marietti, John Vella, and Fiore Moletz

Tue, 1 Mar 2022 04:57:33 +0000

I’m excited to debut a new interview format that I plan to bring you periodically throughout the year. Many of you have reached out to me asking for updates on previous guests. There has also been tremendous interest in hearing from small business owners with respect to current events and topics. So, I decided to sit down with several of our very own podcast alumni to get their take on what’s happening out there.

In this first small business roundtable discussion, Matt Marietti, owner of de Fer Coffee and Tea, Fiore Moletz, co-owner of Burgh’ers Brewing, and John Vella, owner of The John Vella Salon, are back on the show. We talk about what’s going on in their businesses, what they’ve been working on, what their thoughts are on the latest issues facing their industries and the local economy, and much more. Please enjoy this dynamic conversation, and let me know who you’d like to hear from the next time that I do another small business roundtable episode.

If you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So, please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!

Matt Marietti’s original episode: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/make-sure-your-heart-is-in-it-matt-marietti-owner-of-atelier-de-fer

Fiore Moletz’s original episode: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/surround-yourself-with-excellent-people-fiore-moletz-founder-of-burghers-brewing

John Vella’s original episode: https://proprietorsofpittsburgh.com/episodes/you-have-to-be-good-at-what-you-do-john-vella-owner-of-the-john-vella-salon

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MATT MARIETTI AT:

Website: https://defer.coffee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defercoffeeandtea

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defercoffee

YOU CAN REACH FIORE MOLETZ AT:

Website: https://burgherspgh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burghersbrewingpgh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurghersBrewing

YOU CAN REACH JOHN VELLA AT:

Website: https://www.johnvellasalon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohnvellasalon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejohnvellasalon

Darin's Guest Appearance on the Evolution of Brand Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Jason Cercone) — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 21:39:47 +0000

I had an amazing time sharing my story on Evolution of Brand, a podcast created and hosted by Jason Cercone. People often ask me why I created the Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast. In fact, it’s one of the most frequently asked questions that I receive from listeners and guests. So, it was incredible to be able to talk with Jason in detail about my ideas and the passion that I have for my work. As you will hear in our conversation, the podcast is a culmination of three things that I love and that inspire me on a daily basis: the people of Pittsburgh, the small business community, and my entrepreneurial mother.

Jason and I also get into depth about content creation, developing a niche in media and business, and the importance of consistency in mastering your craft. We also talked about how and why you need to promote your content, regardless of the medium that you use. In a world where most podcasters rely solely on organic social media posting, I’ve learned firsthand just how powerful paid ads and event promotions can be. Whether you’re a content creator, small business owner, entrepreneur, or if you’re just curious about how shows like this get started, I know you will find tremendous value in this episode.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JASON CERCONE AT:

Website: https://jasoncercone.com/evolutionofbrand

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolutionofbrand

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jasoncercone

Keep Moving Until You Find a Way | Corry Smith, Owner of CorEats | LIVE Podcast Event

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Corry Smith) — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 22:14:21 +0000

CorEats, a packaged food company founded by Corry Smith, had its roots in her family’s health journey which began fifteen years ago. What started as a series of strange systems experienced by her eldest daughter turned into major dietary and wellness changes for everyone in the household. Replacing the standard American diet with a whole foods diet turned out to be the difference maker they were searching for. Corry’s dissatisfaction with many of the gluten-free options she found in the supermarket served as inspiration to create her own versions of the comfort foods that her family enjoyed.

As she perfected her recipes and shared them with her community, Corry often received praise and affirmation that she had a culinary gift. After a spiritual fast in 2018, she fully accepted this blessing and decided to share her baking mixes on a much larger scale. It was during this brief period that she finalized and documented seven complete recipes which she debuted with the launch of her newly formed company. Today, CorEats is a vibrant and growing enterprise. Corry has an ever-expanding list of wholesale accounts, and she is currently finalizing arrangements to partner with a co-packer, which will bring her products to new locations throughout the country.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH CORRY SMITH AT:

Website: https://coreatsmixes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreatsmixes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coreatsmixes

Use Your Fear to Motivate Yourself | Edgar Snyder, Founder of Edgar Snyder & Associates

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Edgar Snyder) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:43:38 +0000

Although Edgar Snyder is a Pittsburgher who needs no introduction, his personal and professional story may surprise you. In his candid conversation with me, Edgar talks about the challenges he went through and the negativity he endured as a result of doing something new and different in the legal profession. With the abundance of legal advertising today, it’s easy for us to forget just how unique this was in the early 1980s when he was starting Edgar Snyder and Associates. A landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in the late 1970s made advertising for lawyers permissible, which opened up new marketing opportunities that very few lawyers dared to take advantage of at that time.

Edgar was a pioneer in those early days, and he experimented with many types of ads across a variety of mediums. During our discussion, he describes the TV commercial that made him famous throughout western Pennsylvania. And in a poll conducted around that time, he even had greater facial recognition across our part of the state than President George H.W. Bush. Eventually, the rest of the industry caught up, and legal ads became the norm. But Edgar will forever be the trailblazer who took risks and set the standard in our region.

Today, Edgar is semi-retired from the law firm he built, and he spends time enjoying life with family and friends. He has remained actively involved in philanthropy by supporting causes and organizations that are near and dear to his heart. In fact, giving back is a core part of the culture that he built into his firm, and it continues to be a driving force in how his associates view their roles in the communities they serve. Edgar is still a spokesman for the law firm, and you can find him on local billboards, internet ads, and television commercials with that signature finger point and slogan that we have come to know and love.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH EDGAR SNYDER AT:

Website: https://www.edgarsnyder.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdgarSnyderAssociates

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgarsnyder

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgar-snyder-&-associates

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/edgarsnyder

Introducing Season 8 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:31:15 +0000

Hello, Pittsburgh. I’m excited to introduce a brand-new season for you – and it’s jam-packed with unique episodes and bonus content. Season 8 has been an incredible one for me to record and produce, and I can’t wait to share the full episodes with you.

I had the great honor and privilege of interviewing attorney, Edgar Snyder - a person that I admire for the firm he has built, the trail he has blazed, and the philanthropic work he has done in Pittsburgh. I’ve been watching Edgar Snyder on TV since I was a kid, and I’m sure many of you have as well. I know everyone in Pittsburgh knows who Edgar is, but you may not know his personal journey and what he had to go through in order to build his firm. He shares that story plus a whole lot more in his candid interview with me for the podcast.

Just before the holidays, I recorded my first “live audience” podcast with Corry Smith, owner of CorEats. We held the event at Café Conmigo in Wexford. Corry is a thoughtful and energetic business owner with a tremendous origin story, and I had a wonderful time interviewing her for the show. You’ll definitely want to make sure that you catch this debut “live” episode.

It was a real pleasure to have some prior guests come back onto the program for a group discussion, which is a new format that I decided to try for this season. The first group includes Matt Marietti, owner of de Fer Coffee & Tea, Fiore Moletz, co-owner of Burgh’ers Brewing, and John Vella, owner of The John Vella Salon. And the second session features Kristen Ricupero, owner of Financial Fitness Coaching, Wendy Gilch, owner of SellingLater.com, and Jessie Tait, owner of Enspra. In these small business roundtable discussions, we cover the latest developments in their businesses, what’s happened since they were last on the show, dealing with the constantly evolving covid situation, and a variety of other business topics and ideas.

In addition to all of this, I was recently a guest on the “Evolution of Brand” podcast, which is a new show created, produced, and hosted by Jason Cercone. In our conversation, we talked a lot about podcasting, marketing, and creating a niche for your content and business. I plan to drop this interview as a bonus in the feed. So, if you’ve been curious to know more about my reasons for creating the Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast and some of the strategy behind it, then you’ll want to check this one out.

I’d like to thank all of you for helping this podcast experience incredible growth in 2021, and I can’t wait to see where things go in 2022. I know we’re starting off right with this blockbuster season.

If you have ideas for the podcast, know someone that would be an excellent guest, or if you just want to share some feedback, please reach out to me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Honesty Is Always the Best Policy | Matt Dayton, Co-Owner of Pure Air

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Matt Dayton) — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 20:16:21 +0000

After working for a number of years in the mold remediation industry, Matt Dayton decided that it was time to start his own company. He saw an opportunity to offer both an affordable and high-quality service to the many low-income households that were being neglected in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He grew up in a low-income household, so he knew that these were the very people that needed this type of service the most.

Matt grew tired of watching underserved families get priced out the market while competitors catered to the high-income end of the price range. So, he invested every last dollar he had and brought in a few partners to get his business off the ground. Four years later, Pure Air is a thriving mold remediation and indoor air quality company, and Matt has plans to expand far beyond our region.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MATT DAYTON AT:

Website: https://pureairnation.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pureairnation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pureair412

Running a Business Is About More Than Just Following a Passion | Russell Michelson, Owner of Paper Box SEO

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Russell Michelson) — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 02:27:50 +0000

After a short stint working in a corporate job, Russell Michelson knew that he wanted to start his own business. He just had to figure out where to focus his energy and skill development. He gravitated to technology, but he quickly realized that website design wasn’t his thing. Instead, search engine optimization offered the opportunity to work in tech and the challenge of using analytical skills in order to master this incredibly complex domain.

When he relocated to Pittsburgh, Russell also created Free Pittsburgh Walking Tours, a name-your-own-price walking tour company that presented a unique business model in our local market. In this episode, Russell talks about selling Free Pittsburgh Walking Tours, as well as many of the lessons he has learned in building Paper Box SEO.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH RUSSELL MICHELSON AT:

Website: https://www.paperboxseo.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paperboxseo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paper-box-seo

Sometimes You Just Have to Take a Chance | Sara Ponsoll, Owner of Boheme Pittsburgh

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Sara Ponsoll) — Thu, 2 Dec 2021 16:32:00 +0000

Sara Ponsoll applied her years of experience working the craft and maker markets of NYC when she launched Boheme Pittsburgh earlier this summer. Operating Kitschtopia, her vintage jewelry business, taught her a great deal about what it takes to create a thriving venture as a curator in the world of artisan and one-of-a-kind items.

Sara saw that Pittsburgh was lacking a unique space that could serve as a launchpad for local makers, designers, and curators. She created Boheme Pittsburgh to cater to the increasing demand for unique and local merchandise while providing mentorship for the many talented artisans in our region.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH SARA PONSOLL AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bohemepittsburgh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bohemepittsburgh

Email: bohemepittsburgh@gmail.com

Never Be Afraid to Pivot | Sarah Kaminski, Owner of Best Ever Granola

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Sarah Kaminski) — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +0000

During the pandemic, Sarah Kaminski successfully pivoted her business from The Veg Out Project to Best Ever Granola. After multiple iterations, she eventually nailed the final recipe which she and her family affectionately dubbed as the “best ever.”

As a brand-new food entrepreneur, Sarah approached her business with a fresh perspective and without overthinking her strategy. She quickly realized that there was a need in the local market for an artisan-made, small batch granola. Today, Sarah is committed to using only wholesome, clean, and simple ingredients in her products.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH SARAH KAMINSKI AT:

Website: https://www.bestevergranola.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestevergranola

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestevergranolapgh

Set Yourself Apart From the Competition | John Graf, Owner of the Priory Hospitality Group

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, John Graf) — Fri, 5 Nov 2021 20:32:02 +0000

In 1984, John Graf’s parents purchased a condemned monastery and church in the Deutschtown neighborhood. After pouring lots of hard work, passion, and money into the project, they were able save the properties and turn them into a beautiful hotel and event space. After a massive renovation and addition in 2011, the Priory Hotel now consists of 42 rooms and the Grand Hall at the Priory has become a mainstay for weddings and special events in the city. In recent years, John has added to his company’s portfolio by purchasing the Mansions on Fifth Hotel in Shadyside.

Today, John operates the only fully independent historic boutique hotel properties in Pittsburgh. His hospitality group has become a trusted source of information and support for regional hotels and for other independent owners evaluating entry into the boutique hotel space. In our conversation, John talks about the important role that independent hotel operators play in the hospitality industry and why he stopped practicing law in order to join the family business.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JOHN GRAF AT:

Website: https://www.thepriory.com

Website: https://www.mansionsonfifth.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprioryhotel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mansionsonfifth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prioryhotel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MansionsonFifth

Do What Is Authentic to You | Natalie Gentile, M.D., Co-Founder of Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Dr. Natalie Gentile) — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 21:53:17 +0000

As Natalie Gentile, M.D. was planning to move back to Pittsburgh with her family, she began searching for a way to practice medicine that fit her desire for a patient-focused approach. The type of comprehensive and wellness-centered care that she was interested in seemed to be disappearing from modern clinical medicine. Through conversations she had with her mentor, she discovered the direct primary care (DPC) practice model. By cutting out insurance companies and third parties from influencing medical decisions, this alternative format for primary care medicine meant that Dr. Natalie could focus her time and energy on lifestyle guidance and preventative measures to help her patients get well.

In 2019, shortly after returning home to Pittsburgh, Dr. Natalie opened her own DPC practice - Gentile Family Direct Primary Care. Building a business from scratch would prove challenging as physicians do not learn any of these skills in medical school. Nevertheless, as she dug into all of the details of starting a new company, Dr. Natalie quickly discovered a love for entrepreneurship that she didn’t know she had. As a board-certified family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Natalie is free to run her practice in a way that allows her to spend as much time as needed with her patients while keeping their overall health and well-being front and center.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DR. NATALIE GENTILE AT:

Website: https://www.directcarepgh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directcarepgh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirectCarePgh

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-gentile-md-5982b081

Find a Partner to Compliment Your Skill Set | Kelly Sanders & Monica Yope, Owners of love, Pittsburgh

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Kelly Sanders, Monica Yope) — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 20:17:36 +0000

In 2017, Kelly Sanders and Monica Yope met at a tech conference. As the two lone, non-tech creatives in the room, they quickly became friends. As they got to know each other, they discovered their common passion for supporting local makers. Inspired by a shared vision, they realized that the city needed a physical space to showcase the abundance of talent in our region. So, they decided to turn the building that Monica found in Mt. Washington into their first love, Pittsburgh location.

Fast forward four years and Kelly and Monica now operate three locations throughout the city of Pittsburgh. Their initial lineup of 40 artisans has grown to over 100, and their stores have also achieved a GOLD Certification from Sustainable Pittsburgh for their work in reducing their carbon footprint. Love, Pittsburgh has become a home base for some of the best artisans in the area, and it has also become a favorite shopping destination for visitors and locals alike. In fact, Kelly and Monica created the name “love, Pittsburgh” to invoke the feeling that everything in their stores is like a gift to us from our beloved city.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH KELLY SANDERS & MONICA YOPE AT:

Website: https://lovepittsburghshop.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovepittsburghshop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovepittsburghshop

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lovepittsburghshop

Know What You're Getting Into | Derek Davies, Owner of Cafe Conmigo

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Derek Davies) — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 20:51:24 +0000

Derek’s inspiration to create Café Conmigo originated from a trip he took to Argentina. It was there that he fell in love with a quaint little cafe, which featured delicious coffee served in a tranquil space and enveloped with ample arrangements of lush green plants. During his time in college, he developed a further affection for Latin American culture through the relationships he nurtured with his many Spanish-speaking friends. Although he attended school in Austin, Texas, he felt as though he was studying abroad due to the highly diverse make-up of the student body. The name of Derek’s coffee shop is Spanish for “coffee with me,” and it pays homage to this significant period of his life.

Derek’s drive to become an entrepreneur began at an early age with his involvement in the family business. His parents’ work ethic made a lasting impression on him, and they often encouraged their son to work for himself. After exploring a few early ventures, including a website that helped university students to buy, sell, and swap textbooks and furniture, he decided to do something that was more suited to his personality. Although he was interested in boutique hotels and restaurants, Derek felt that launching a café allowed him to test his hand at hospitality, albeit in a way that was in better alignment with his current level of food and beverage experience. After consulting with T.J. Fairchild, owner of Commonplace Coffee and a well-known local figure in the café startup scene, Derek built his business and opened his doors in early 2021.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DEREK DAVIES AT:

Website: https://www.cafeconmigo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeconmigocoffee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CafeConmigoCoffee

Email: info@cafeconmigo.com

Go Get It | Mark Caskey, Founder of Steel Nation

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Mark Caskey, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 8 Oct 2021 19:07:54 +0000

In 2008, Mark Caskey took a risk and left his employer and the coal industry he knew so well in order to make a fresh start in the oil and gas industry. Frustrated that his former company didn’t want to take advantage of the Marcellus Shale natural gas field that had recently started to develop, Mark launched his own firm called Steel Nation. He began with just $6,000 and the ability to design and oversee the construction of specialty steel buildings. Natural gas involves a different set of processes from coal, so Mark had to quickly learn the inner workings of a new energy sector. He also had to convince someone to give him a shot at building a steel structure and becoming his first client.

Thirteen years and hundreds of buildings later, Mark has built a tremendously successful company that is competitive with many of its peers who travel up to our region from Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Mark employs a staff of professional engineers, designers, and experts in construction, maintenance, and environmental services. Today, the Steel Nation mantra is “clean, cool, quiet, and safe,” which represents its approach to pre-engineered steel building design and construction. In this episode, Mark talks about an early setback that nearly put him out of business, his strategy for launching with very little startup capital, and why it’s important to take some calculated risks in order to get started.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MARK CASKEY AT:

Website: https://steelnation.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steelnationbuildings

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-nation-inc-

Phone: 724-225-2202

Introducing Season 7 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Sun, 3 Oct 2021 00:21:03 +0000

Hello, Pittsburghers. The line-up for Season 7 is impressive. I will be talking to Mark Caskey, founder of Steel Nation – a remarkable company that designs and constructs steel buildings in the oil and gas industry. I also have Derek Davies on the show. He is the owner of Café Conmigo – a tranquil oasis and gathering spot located in the North Hills. I sit down with Kelly Sanders and Monica Yope, owners of the love, Pittsburgh stores, which are wonderfully curated shops featuring locally made goods. I talk to Dr. Natalie Gentile, founder and owner of Gentile Family Direct Primary Care – a medical practice that’s working to reshape the primary care landscape in our region. John Graf is on the podcast. In the 1980s, his family helped save several historic properties in the Deutschtown neighborhood and turn them into what is known today as the Priory Hotel and Grand Hall. I speak with Sarah Kaminski, owner of Best Ever Granola – and let me tell you, her product lives up to its name! And, I chat with Sara Ponsoll, owner of Boheme Pittsburgh – a unique marketplace and incubator for local artisans, makers, and curators. These are just some of the amazing entrepreneurs and small business owners that you will hear from in this season.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

The Ability to Adapt Is More Important Than Ever | Mike Sharp, Guest Host

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Mike Sharp) — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 19:16:14 +0000

If the past year and a half has taught us anything, it’s that the ability and willingness to change are critical attributes for every business owner. Adaptation is important to survival, and it’s always been a mantra in modern business. But the pandemic has challenged us more than any other event in recent times. The really interesting thing is that entrepreneurs who are growth oriented and open to ideas tend to have an advantage when faced with change under difficult circumstances. In other words, they are not overly romantic about their business concepts. Instead, they are more interested in the best ideas and doing what actually works in the marketplace.

In this final episode of Season 6, Mike Sharp, owner of the Sharp Insurance Agency, talks with me about the power of adaptation and change. We discuss what we’ve both seen and experienced during the pandemic, including some creative examples of small business survival. We also go through several ways that small business owners can position themselves to be nimble and flexible in an uncertain world. The ability to pivot has been front and center in our concept of business and startups for a while now, but this recent macro-economic shock has put it to the test like never before.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MIKE SHARP AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharp.insurance

Phone: 412-207-9047

Why Every Entrepreneur Is Also a Salesperson | Mike Sharp, Guest Host

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Mike Sharp) — Thu, 9 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

If you own a business, then the inevitable reality is that you are also a salesperson. You may not think of yourself as one, and you probably didn’t get into business to hone your sales skills, but this is a fact of entrepreneurship. Understanding this distinction can mean the difference between starting fast or slow during the critical early days of a company’s life. The good news is that “sales” no longer has to mean high-pressure tactics or sleight of hand designed to get people to buy. Those days are over, and consumers see right through the tricks. People want to choose to “buy” instead of being “sold” to. In today’s information age with an abundance of choices, the public now holds the power.

In this episode, Mike Sharp, owner of the Sharp Insurance Agency, joins me as my guest host for a lively discussion about this consequential and relevant topic. We talk about the importance of listening, asking questions, and assessing fit with clients and customers. More than ever before, selling is about educating and advising. It’s about becoming a trusted guide, not about sleazy practices. This will be welcome news to anyone with a natural aversion to selling. Mike and I cover a lot of territory in our conversation, as we both relate how selling has shaped our experiences as employees and business owners.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MIKE SHARP AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharp.insurance

Phone: 412-207-9047

The Power of Mindset | Mike Sharp, Guest Host

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Mike Sharp) — Wed, 1 Sep 2021 03:15:35 +0000

Mike Sharp, owner of the Sharp Insurance Agency, is back on the show in this new Season 6, but this time he is a “guest host.” In this episode, we discuss the book “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. During a recent phone call, we both realized that we just read it and thought it would make an excellent topic to kick off this new season. The book is full of powerful insights as it pertains to business, relationships, parenting, and really all aspects of life. If you haven’t read the book, it’s okay. We review the highlights and its main premise, which makes it easy to follow along with our conversation.

So many great insights and ideas came out of our discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed the format for this new mini-season, and I hope you will too. My plan is to do several of these special seasons each year where I invite previous guests back onto the show for engaging conversations covering topics that are relevant to small businesses and our community. If you have any suggestions for guests that you’d like to see back on as a “guest host” or if you have subject ideas for a future episode, please let me know. Your feedback is always appreciated.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MIKE SHARP AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharp.insurance

Phone: 412-207-9047

Introducing Season 6 and the State of the Podcast | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 22:49:26 +0000

Hey, Pittsburghers! I just wanted to say a few words about the pandemic, the state of the podcast, and what we’ve all been through this past year-and-a half. Season 5, which I started at the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, has been a season of learning and adaptation. Like everyone else, I had to figure out how to go virtual and remote with my work and art. I’m so proud of the episodes in Season 5. If you want to get a feel for how the pandemic has affected many of our small businesses, just listen to these episodes.

While the past year-and-a-half has been challenging and difficult and even tragic for many people, I still see hope and optimism every day in my work and in the people that I speak with. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that it will include change. It will require flexibility, nimbleness, and adaptation. Like everyone else, I see what happens each day and adjust accordingly. Right now, that means I’m doing some of my interviews in-person. In other cases, they are still virtual. As I look to the near future, I see the podcast taking on a hybrid form. My interviews and conversations will consist of both of these modes. I look forward to the day when nearly all of my episodes are in-person. That’s the essence of this local show – dynamic and energetic dialogue between people who love small businesses and our great city.

So, enjoy this special Season 6 with me and my “guest host” Mike Sharp. Then, I will be back with Season 7 and more of the engaging, informative, and entertaining conversations with small business owners that you have come to love.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Assemble a Great Team From the Start | Matt Blistan, Owner of The Blistan Group

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Matt Blistan) — Sun, 1 Aug 2021 03:35:07 +0000

Growing up, Matt Blistan was surrounded by family members who would play an instrumental role in his choice of career. His uncle, father, and grandfather each taught him lessons in finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship. As someone who was attracted to business and eventually starting his own company, Matt decided to work in the accounting field, as it is universally known as the “language of business.” He felt that this would give him a solid foundation and a variety of options as his career progressed. A few years after college, he took his commitment to accounting a step further by becoming a certified public accountant.

With over twelve years of experience working in tax for a variety of accounting firms, Matt decided that it was finally time to fulfill his dream of running his own business. In early 2020, just before the start of the pandemic, he launched The Blistan Group, a tax, accounting, and advisory firm. When you listen to our conversation you can quickly tell that Matt’s favorite part of his work is collaborating and strategizing with his small business clients. He puts a heavy emphasis on the importance of developing personal and professional relationships with everyone that he works with.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MATT BLISTAN AT:

Website: https://www.theblistangroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blistancpa

Email: contact@theblistangroup.com

Phone: 412-564-5431

Continue to Work on Yourself | Karen Bartos, Owner of Luxe de Fleur Boudoir Photography

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Karen Bartos) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 18:16:11 +0000

Karen Bartos became fascinated with photography at the age of nine when she received her first camera. Her love for the art form grew with her discovery of Ansel Adams, which inspired her own landscape work. Years later, she was asked by friends if she would consider taking their son’s high school senior photos. Karen decided to give it a try, and she instantly felt drawn to the connection of working with people. After seven years of senior photography, she began to realize that the mothers of her subjects needed some pampering and attention too. This gave her the inspiration to create Luxe de Fleur Boudoir, a transformational photography experience designed to celebrate the fierce beauty inside of every woman.

Initially, Karen was hesitant and unsure of her decision to embark on this new line of work. She even battled with “imposter syndrome” in the very beginning, which made her seriously contemplate quitting. But when the photo shoots started, the magic began to happen. She saw the range of emotions that her clients went through as they realized and appreciated their own beauty. Over the years, she has shared laughs and tears with these wonderfully strong women, and some of them have become her friends as a result of the bonding experience that happens during this process. In our conversation, Karen talks about the most rewarding aspects of her work and she shares some of her favorite memories from her time spent with clients.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH KAREN BARTOS AT:

Website: https://www.karenbartos.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxedefleur_boudoir

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxedefleurboudoir

Don't Get Discouraged Too Quickly | Jason Cercone, Owner of Cercone Consulting

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Jason Cercone) — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:46:10 +0000

Jason Cercone’s experience with podcasting expanded in 2019 when he launched the Breaking Brews Podcast. He transitioned his existing blog, which he started in 2014 to highlight the business side of the craft beer industry, into a podcast format in order to take advantage of the rapid growth happening in audio. With the arrival of the pandemic in 2020 and its subsequent slowdown of the food and beverage industry, Jason had the opportunity to reevaluate his career choices. Although he remained intrigued with the beer business, his work as a podcaster allowed him to develop an even greater passion. He began to consider how he could pivot his company in a way that would allow him to work solely on podcasts.

In 2020, armed with one full-time podcast client, Jason rebranded his business as Cercone Consulting. His firm specializes in helping companies and personalities to create, produce, market, and grow podcasts in order to develop audiences and enhance brands. Today, he offers a complete suite of services for podcasters, which includes editing, booking guests, theme development, and strategy. In our conversation, Jason shares some amazing advice for budding podcasters, including what he believes are the right and wrong reasons for starting a show.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JASON CERCONE AT:

Website: https://jasoncercone.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasoncercone

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cerconeconsulting

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasoncercone

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncercone

Find Something That Moves You | Katy and Jose Rosa, Owners of Everest Eats

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Jose Rosa, Katy Rosa) — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 15:38:51 +0000

When Katy and Jose Rosa found themselves out of work in 2019, they decided to try something completely different. After years of working in oil and gas, they were worn out by the ups and downs of such a cyclical industry. Much to Jose’s surprise, Katy had just started to feed their family 100% plant-based meals. He couldn’t believe how great the food tasted and how good he felt, so he naturally wanted to share it with extended family and friends. It was right around this time that they were asked to cater a company event. That evening, their food was a big hit, and the idea for Everest Eats was born.

Although their menu is totally plant-based, they continuously receive rave reviews from vegans and meat eaters alike. The homemade ingredients, rich flavors, and hearty nature of the meals have wide appeal and have won over followers of all types of diets. Katy and Jose are inspired by their two children, Everest and Denali, and creating a sustainable business that is environmentally sensitive is an important factor in the choices that they make. Almost two years into operation and Everest Eats is a full-blown family business with Katy’s mom and dad now involved in the creation of the mouth-watering dishes and desserts that come from their commercial kitchen.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH KATY AND JOSE ROSA AT:

Website: https://www.everesteats.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everesteats

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverestEatsPlantBased

Don't Overcomplicate What You're Doing | Kelly Bender, Owner of Total Business Solutions

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Kelly Bender) — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Ten years ago, Kelly Bender was a single mother looking for a flexible way to continue her career in tax advising. After exploring several options, she decided that entrepreneurship was the right path for her, and she launched Total Business Solutions. Kelly eventually remarried, and her husband joined her in the practice. Over the years, several of their children have also worked in the business in various capacities. Recently, Total Business Solutions expanded with an acquisition of an accounting firm in Butler, PA, which will provide ample growth opportunities for their staff.

Kelly is an enrolled agent, which is a designation awarded by the IRS to federally authorized tax practitioners who have met the necessary qualifications. Instead of the traditional model where a tax consultant may only see a client once per year, her firm’s relationship-based approach means that they are advising clients on a more frequent basis. This high-touch, personalized service is one of the things that sets Total Business Solutions apart from the competition. In this episode, Kelly talks about the tough decisions that her clients had to make during the pandemic and why it’s important to keep things simple when starting a business.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH KELLY BENDER AT:

Website: http://www.dktbs.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Total-Business-Solutions-216610258422482

Do Your Research Before Starting a Business | Sara Makin, Founder of Makin Wellness

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Sara Makin, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 16:58:01 +0000

Sara Makin has always been an entrepreneur at heart. As a kid, she didn’t just run a lemonade stand. She did door-to-door lemonade delivery as a way to boost her sales! Sara was probably on track to go to business school and create the next big startup when she found herself in a battle with depression. Her life-changing experience with therapy and dealing with her own mental illness made her realize that she wanted others to achieve the same breakthroughs. After completing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Duquesne University and obtaining the requisite work experience, Sara became a licensed professional counselor.

In 2017, Sara combined her love for business with her mission to provide exceptional mental health care by launching Makin Wellness. Realizing that she could reach and impact more people, she decided to take her therapy platform completely online just as the pandemic was starting in early 2020. Today, Sara operates her practice in a thriving environment as more and more people are becoming comfortable to talk about mental illness and to seek professional help. In this episode, she talks about how she is building culture in an organization with a virtual business model and why it’s important to ensure there is product-market fit before getting started.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH SARA MAKIN AT:

Website: https://www.makinwellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinwellness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makinwellness

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MakinWellness

Novel Experiences Will Help You as an Entrepreneur | Samantha Post, Co-Owner of T&M Hardware & Rental

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Samantha Post) — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 21:30:10 +0000

Samantha Post is a second-generation co-owner of T&M Hardware & Rental, which was started by her parents in 1991. The “T&M” stands for Tim and Mary, and they raised their four kids in the family business. After a career of moving around the U.S. with his employer, Tim decided that it was time to move back to the Pittsburgh area and put his skills to work in his own business. They evaluated several opportunities, but ultimately, Tim and Mary decided to turn around a struggling hardware store in Ellwood City. This formula proved to be the right approach, and Tim and his family have successfully opened five more locations using a similar strategy over the past 30 years.

After starting her career in public health in the Washington D.C. area, Samantha decided that she wanted more autonomy and fulfillment with her work. In 2013, she decided to move home and rejoin the family business. One of her first major projects was to manage the company’s latest acquisition in the Bellevue community. In this episode, Samantha talks about what it was like to grow up in a family business, how she has dealt with the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, and why their business continues to grow and thrive in spite of operating in the hypercompetitive world of retail.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH SAMANTHA POST AT:

Website: https://www.tandmhardware.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tandmhardware

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TandMHardware

Take Time to Recharge | Gina Vensel, Owner of Easy Street PGH and Co-Founder of Plant Media Project

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Gina Vensel) — Mon, 31 May 2021 20:35:49 +0000

Gina Vensel is a multifaceted entrepreneur who is involved in several organizations and numerous projects. In 2006, she started Easy Street Promotions, an event planning and marketing company. Her love for music inspired her to create Live Music PGH, an online database of Pittsburgh-area bands and DJs, which makes it easier for us to stay connected to our favorite local artists. Gina has also been involved in marketing and organizing TEDx Pittsburgh over the past six years. Her love for building relationships and creating community is evident in all that she does.

Gina’s most recent venture is Plant Media Project, which she co-founded with her business partner, Elizabeth Sheldon, in June 2020. Plant Media Project is a boutique agency specializing in plant medicine marketing, education, and advocacy. Gina has been a long-time supporter of destigmatizing and legalizing cannabis and psychedelics, especially as it pertains to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and various other mental and physical illnesses. In their pursuit of educating the public and normalizing conversations around plant medicines, Gina and Elizabeth recently launched “The Vine: A Plant Media Project Podcast.”

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH GINA VENSEL AT:

Website: https://easystreetpgh.com

Website: https://plantmediaproject.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easystpgh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantmediaproject

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/easystreetpgh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plantmediaproject

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginavensel

Be Authentic and Be You | Ruthann Bowen, Owner of Wix DesignHer

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Ruthann Bowen, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 21 May 2021 19:06:33 +0000

Ruthann Bowen started her career in public relations, which was a natural fit given her personality and interests. After a twenty-year hiatus to raise her children, she decided to get back into the workforce by starting her own agency. A few years in, Ruthann realized just how much the industry had changed during her absence. The daunting task of building relationships from scratch, coupled with the challenges of being a generalist, caused her to rethink her approach. During this time, her involvement with a web design project for a local school sparked a new idea for her business.

In 2018, Ruthann rebranded her company as Wix DesignHer, a full-service web design and consulting business, which utilizes the Wix development platform. As her company evolved, Ruthann further refined her niche by targeting female entrepreneurs who strongly resonated with her design and communication style. By focusing her services and building expertise in one core area, Ruthann has been able to develop a recognizable brand and loyal following. And for those do-it-yourselfers out there, she recently wrote a book titled “The Female Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating Your Own Website in a Weekend.”

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH RUTHANN BOWEN AT:

Website: https://www.wixdesignher.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wixdesignher

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wixdesignher

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthann-bowen-0b9382107

Work on Yourself Every Day of Your Life | Duztin Watson, Owner of The RiP Group

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Duztin Watson) — Fri, 7 May 2021 21:07:36 +0000

Duztin Watson’s military career has influenced his leadership style and mindset, but it’s not the only thing that defines him. In our conversation, he was clear to point out that his military experience is just one part of his lifelong journey, which has been characterized by many ups and downs along the way. The series of sales and business development roles he held after reacclimating to civilian life were instrumental to developing the confidence and skills he needed to start and build his own company.

Duztin knew that the security industry, which is defined by protecting human life and valuable property, was something that aligned with his interests and core beliefs. In 2012, he launched The RiP Group to provide the type of high-quality, high-touch security and related services that he believed was lacking in the marketplace. From the outset, Duztin has focused on building a team where integrity, accountability, professionalism, safety, and constant training lie at the heart of his company’s culture.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DUZTIN WATSON AT:

Website: https://ripusa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theripgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiPUSAInc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ripusainc.

Be Open and Share Your Knowledge | RJ Huebert, Owner of HBT Digital Consulting

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (RJ Huebert, Darin Vilano) — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 14:50:19 +0000

RJ Huebert, a Pennsylvania native, started his marketing career in the Tampa Bay / St. Petersburg area after finishing graduate school at the University of South Florida. It was there that he decided to put his entrepreneurial instincts to work by creating, organizing, and marketing several 5K races. The excitement and sense of accomplishment he received from developing these events fueled his passion for eventually starting his own marketing firm. In 2019, a few years after returning back to the Pittsburgh area, he launched HBT Digital Consulting.

RJ’s firm specializes in digital marketing services, which encompasses online ad spend, social media marketing, email marketing, and search engine advertising. He differentiates his boutique agency on the basis of offering customized and premium services to his clients. HBT Digital Consulting’s “digital” positioning means that they are focused on ad tracking, results measurement, and return on investment. In this episode, RJ talks about how to collaborate with competitors and why creating and organizing an event can be a great test of entrepreneurial skills.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH RJ HUEBERT AT:

Website: https://hbtdigital.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbtdigitalconsulting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbtdigitalconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hbtdigitalconsulting

Stay True to Your Moral Compass | John Waldron, Founder of Waldron Private Wealth

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (John Waldron, Darin Vilano) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:47:49 +0000

In 1990, John Waldron had his “light bulb” moment. After working with a potential client to create a comprehensive tax, investment, and business restructuring strategy, John was asked by the client to execute the plan. There was only one problem. Regulations in place prohibited accounting firms from engaging in securities transactions on behalf of clients. Six months later, John left his Big Six accounting firm position to start his own private wealth management company. At the time, an independent fee-based investment management practice was a disruptive and cutting-edge concept. John’s entrepreneurial instincts were proven correct, and today, this business model is considered the gold standard in the industry.

Over the past 30 years, Waldron Private Wealth has continued to innovate, expand, and lead in the wealth management marketplace. John has meticulously built a talented team of financial experts and investment professionals who hold credentials such as Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, and Certified Financial Planner. Their areas of expertise are wide-ranging and include philanthropy, tax, estate planning, business consultation, investments, and real estate. Waldron Private Wealth has consistently received top rankings and recognition from sources such Barron’s, Financial Times, and Forbes. Recently, John authored his first book titled “The Entrepreneurial Journey: Navigating a Successful Path for Your Business, Family, and Future.”

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JOHN WALDRON AT:

Website: https://www.waldronprivatewealth.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldronPW

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldronprivatewealth

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waldron-private-wealth

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help | Kristen Ricupero, Owner of Financial Fitness Coaching

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Kristen Ricupero) — Fri, 2 Apr 2021 18:59:43 +0000

In 2013, Kristen Ricupero reached a turning point as her mounting debt finally reached a level where it could no longer be ignored. It was at that moment that she decided to educate herself on the subject of personal finances and to put a plan into place to take control of her spending. Within eighteen months, she freed herself from more than $25,000 of consumer debt. The feeling was liberating and exhilarating, and she wanted others to have this same experience. In 2016, Kristen started Financial Fitness Coaching to help small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve their financial goals while eliminating financial chaos from their lives.

As her practice has grown, Kristen has continued to expand her repertoire and knowledge within the financial consulting industry. In 2019, she became a Certified Profit First Professional, which is an accreditation in a specific system aimed at assisting clients with prioritizing profit and innovating in order to manage expenses. Kristen has also developed a number of online courses, which cover topics such as budgeting, cash flow, profitability, and mindset. She believes that you’re never too old or young to learn good financial habits, and teaching her son money basics has been a point of emphasis in her household.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH KRISTEN RICUPERO AT:

Website: https://financialfitnesscoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financial.fitness.coaching

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialfitnesscoach18

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-ricupero

Make Sure You Have a Support Team | Michael Wholihan, Associate Director of the Pitt Small Business Development Center

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Michael Wholihan, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 16:48:27 +0000

Michael Wholihan is the Associate Director of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center. This important non-profit organization is part of a wider network of small business development centers that span the nation and fall under the leadership of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Pitt SBDC is a vital resource for local small business owners and entrepreneurs, and the vast majority of their services are provided free of charge. As we continue to face the challenges of the pandemic, the Pitt SBDC has been a steadfast ally in helping to support our local economy.

The Pitt SBDC serves the community through the areas of counseling, training programs, new capital formation, centers of excellence, and community contracts. Michael, who started with the organization as a counselor, knows what it’s like to be on the other side of the table. He, as well as many on this staff, have also been small business owners themselves. Their hard work was recently recognized in September 2020 when the U.S. Small Business Administration awarded the Pitt SBDC with the #1 ranking out of over 1,000 similar centers throughout the country.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MICHAEL WHOLIHAN AT:

Website: https://entrepreneur.pitt.edu/centers/small-business-development-center-sbdc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pghentrepreneur

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PghEntrepreneur

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pitt-iee

Email: mwholihan@innovation.pitt.edu

Remember to Bring Joy to Whatever You Offer | Naomi Hoppel, Owner of the Pittsburgh Juice Company

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Naomi Hoppel) — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 21:09:18 +0000

Naomi Hoppel’s love for design and the use of space led her to a career in architecture. She earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the profession, although graduating into a difficult job market in the wake of the 2007 – 2008 financial crisis gave her reason to consider alternate options. Naomi had always been interested in volunteering for the Peace Corps, and this seemed like the perfect time to do it. After two years of service in Peru as a community development consultant, she returned home to Pittsburgh.

Naomi expected her time back home to be temporary as she recuperated, evaluated job opportunities, and helped her brother open his yoga studio. Little did she know that she would soon fall in love with all of the great things happening in her hometown. Lawrenceville’s resurgence was in full swing, and she decided that she wanted to be more deeply involved in the community. Naomi played a large part in the redevelopment of her brother’s building at the entrance to the burgeoning neighborhood near the intersection of Penn Avenue and Butler Street. In 2013, she took over the small retail space in the front of the newly refurbished building, and the Pittsburgh Juice Company was born.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH NAOMI HOPPEL AT:

Website: https://pittsburghjuicecompany.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pittsburghjuice

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjc.pgh

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PGH_Juice

Darin's Guest Appearance on The Third Growth Option Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Benno Duenkelsbuehler, Darin Vilano) — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 22:21:41 +0000

This week, I have a special treat for you. Recently, I was a guest on The Third Growth Option Podcast hosted by Benno Duenkelsbuehler. I had the opportunity to talk about growing up in a family of small business owners and the influence it had on my life. I’ve wanted to be a business owner from the time that I was a kid. We didn’t really say “entrepreneur” in the 1980s in my little town. That would have sounded too highbrow. We’ve certainly come a long way since then! Even though I had plenty of role models as a kid, I was encouraged to get a college education. I was the first in my immediate family to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, which put me on course for a more traditional career path.

After working for several large corporations, I decided to reconnect to my roots and start my own business. My long-term side gig of helping entrepreneurs build their businesses helped me to realize that starting a consultancy would be a natural transition. In this episode, Benno and I cover a variety of topics. I told the story of why my mother is my favorite “client” and how volunteering to help her at the age of thirteen foreshadowed what I would do later in life. We also discussed why I created the Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast. I had a blast talking to Benno, and I hope you enjoy this bonus episode.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH BENNO DUENKELSBUEHLER AT:

Website: https://realignforresults.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reALIGNExpansionSherpas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benno1

Email: benno@realignforresults.com

Set Achievable Goals | Will Winter, Owner of Winter Accounting & Advising

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Will Winter, Darin Vilano) — Tue, 2 Mar 2021 17:48:13 +0000

Will Winter always felt that at some point he would own his own business. After relocating to Pittsburgh with his wife and family, he endured long commutes to work in the city. One day, he called the small accounting practice that he drove by on his route to the office, which led to his acquisition of the business. Will quickly realized the stark differences between working for a large accounting firm and running a solo practice. But he instantly felt connected to the work, because he was directly helping the types of small business owners that originally inspired him to get into the accounting field.

Will’s father was self-employed most of his life, but he often struggled with managing his finances. He had an aspiration to own his own auto body shop, but he never got it off the ground. This inspired Will to focus his career on helping people just like his dad, so that they could realize their dreams of entrepreneurship. In this episode, Will talks about the challenges of growing a service firm, why he started a separate restaurant advisory business, and some of the most common mistakes that small business owners make with their accounting.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH WILL WINTER AT:

Website: http://wintercpas.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wintercpas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wintercpas

Phone: 412-794-8224

The Secret to Doing What You Want Is to Start Doing the Work | Jeff Lovett, Co-Owner of Lovett Sundries

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Jeff Lovett) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 20:02:51 +0000

When Jeff Lovett and his wife moved from New York City to southeastern Ohio, they got back in touch with small-town living. It was the early 2000s, and the DIY movement was in full swing. The Lovetts experimented with things like home brewing and soapmaking, among many other endeavors. Whenever they shared their soaps and lotions with people, they received overwhelmingly positive feedback. People loved the fact that the products actually worked, and that they were comprised of simple, clean ingredients that they could trust. The Lovetts realized they were onto something, and even though they had no prior business experience, they decided to take a leap and launch Lovett Sundries.

While living in Appalachia, Jeff had been studying the history of company stores. This inspired the branding, product naming, and labeling for their concept. Sustainability was also a driving factor for them, so the Lovetts sourced materials that were recyclable and reusable for their packaging. In this episode, Jeff talks about some of the funnier moments when they were finding their way in the very beginning. Ultimately, it was a trade show back in New York City that helped them to refine their product offerings and build some important relationships in the industry. Today, the Lovetts make all of their products in their studio located in the Wilkinsburg neighborhood, and they also operate a small retail space in the front of the building.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JEFF LOVETT AT:

Website: https://lovettsundries.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovett_sundries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovettsundries

Do Something That Adds Value to the Market | Jessie Tait, Owner of Enspra

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Jessie Tait, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 5 Feb 2021 22:36:33 +0000

When the pandemic temporarily shut down her home inspection business, Jessie Tait started looking for a way to give back to the community. She wanted to feel useful in a time of need, so she began volunteering to clean police vehicles at her local precinct. She felt like she was doing good work, but she didn’t like the fact that the traditional sanitizing methods she used only meant that the vehicle was clean until someone sick came in contact with it. Was it possible that there was a product that could protect an area for a longer period of time? She decided to find out.

Hours and hours of research and many phone calls later, Jessie finally landed on a company that supplied a product that could last up to 90 days. The product uses nanotechnology to form a protective barrier on almost any surface to kill germs on contact without the use of harsh chemicals and cleaners. Jessie immediately formed a contractual relationship with the supplier, and her company, Enspra, was born. Today, Enspra performs disinfectant and antimicrobial nano-coating applications for both residential and commercial customers. Jessie’s company is also able to conduct on-site efficacy testing for the presence of microbes, as well as help organizations create pandemic response and mitigation plans.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JESSIE TAIT AT:

Website: https://www.enspra.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Enspra

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessietait

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enspra1

Change Is the Only Constant in Life | Priya Amin, Founder of Flexable

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Priya Amin, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 01:02:35 +0000

When Priya Amin had her first child, the trajectory of her career was forever changed. After two years as a stay-at-home mom, she decided that she wanted to get back into the workforce. That’s when she experienced firsthand just how hard it was to obtain accessible and reliable childcare as a working parent. Determined to solve her own problem, Priya decided to turn this challenge into a business opportunity. In 2016, after joining AlphaLab’s accelerator program, she and her business partner launched Flexable.

Flexable addresses the growing need to provide on-demand and pop-up childcare solutions to busy parents. Before the pandemic, Priya’s company partnered with over 150 organizations to take care of thousands of children by offering on-site childcare in over 1,500 locations throughout the Pittsburgh region. In 2020, the pandemic posed a significant threat to the company’s business model. Instead of permanently closing their doors, Flexable made a hard pivot to a 100% virtual childcare offering. Today, they are providing much needed relief for parents all across the country who are working from home and juggling multiple responsibilities during this difficult time.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH PRIYA AMIN AT:

Website: https://flexablecare.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flexablecare

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlexableCare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/flexablecare

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyaamin

Don't Try to Be Perfect | Wendy Gilch, Owner of SellingLater.com

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Wendy Gilch) — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 00:09:51 +0000

A few years ago, Wendy Gilch and her husband were “move-up” buyers. They were selling a townhome and building a dream home for their growing family. This experience left Wendy frustrated, confused, and anxious about the entire process. Feeling rushed, they sold their townhome too fast and ended up moving twice. Although the real estate industry claimed to be looking out for consumers, Wendy felt that the whole process was built around benefiting real estate-related companies all along the value chain. If homebuyers and sellers were the lifeblood of the industry, why didn’t they have more control? This question and many others sparked an idea that ultimately became SellingLater.com

Wendy launched SellingLater.com as a resource, marketplace, and consumer ally for people who are in the market to buy or sell their homes. She built the platform around several core principles that she felt were lacking in the market, such as independence, non-solicitation, and privacy. SellingLater.com doesn’t receive any funding from the real estate industry, and it never sells customer contact information to third parties. Anyone is able to list their home for sale up to a year in advance, and because it’s not a traditional multiple listing service, the posting doesn’t count towards “days on the market.” Perspective buyers are also free to browse the site for potential homes well in advance of their move date. Wendy also takes great pride in supporting the non-profit partners that benefit from donations made to the website.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH WENDY GILCH AT:

Website: https://www.sellinglater.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selling_later

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sellinglater

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Selling_Later

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendygilch

Have Patience to Develop Your Skills | Mark Mammone & Joe Bardakos, Co-Owners of Bridge City Brinery

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Mark Mammone, Joe Bardakos) — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 22:32:28 +0000

Mark Mammone learned the art and science of fermentation while living in Los Angeles. As an aspiring actor, he practiced his culinary skills during downtime between gigs. After trying his hand at kimchi and making several batches of pickles, he decided to pick up a few books to really study and learn the fermentation process. Although he had some modest success as an actor, Mark ultimately decided to move back to Pittsburgh and put his heart into a restaurant career.

At his new job with Piccolo Forno in Lawrenceville, Mark met Joe Bardakos, and the two became quick friends. Whenever they experimented with new dishes, they seemed to complement each other’s work. While they were fortunate to stay busy in the kitchen during the pandemic, Mark started to think more about his future. One day, he approached Joe with an idea to create a pickle company. Mark’s enthusiasm for the project was infectious, and Joe agreed to join him in the business. Only a few short months into their new venture, Bridge City Brinery has already developed a devoted following with a number of stores carrying their products throughout the Pittsburgh region.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MARK MAMMONE AND JOE BARDAKOS AT:

Website: https://bridgecitybrinery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgecitybrinery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgeCityBrinery

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCBrinery

Email: bridgecitybrinery@gmail.com

Keep at It When Things Get Tough | John Tarallo, Owner of Steel City Salt Company

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (John Tarallo, Darin Vilano) — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 04:15:32 +0000

John Tarallo was young when he discovered that salt could be mixed with herbs and spices to create unique flavors. His Sicilian grandfather often used an imported salt blend on his favorite dishes. This experience left an impression on John, as he realized the impact that spices could have on the taste of food. John grew up in a large family where gathering around the kitchen table for Sunday dinners and home-cooked meals was a way of life. He was raised by a family of small business owners, so it seemed natural that he would eventually try his hand at entrepreneurship. In 2014, he decided that the time was right to launch the Steel City Salt Company.

The business had humble beginnings, as John started by selling salt blends and spices from a sidewalk table in the Strip District. The business grew, and four years later, John opened a storefront and production facility in Millvale. The building required extensive renovation, and John and his father, ever the do-it-yourselfers, did the bulk of the work. Today, John and his wife enjoy being hands-on business owners and operators. While they are grateful for their success, they intend to keep things simple by growing their business slowly and responsibly. Their desire is for Steel City Salt Company to remain a small family business for many years to come.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JOHN TARALLO AT:

Website: https://steelcitysalt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelcitysaltco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steelcitysalt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/steelcitysaltco

Phone: 412-407-9271

Entrepreneurship Is a Long-Term Commitment | George Cook, Co-Founder of Honeycomb Credit

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (George Cook, Darin Vilano) — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 20:30:31 +0000

George Cook comes from a long line of community bankers. His family has operated a small community bank in the Somerset, PA area for approximately 130 years. While he was earning his MBA at Dartmouth College, he met Ken Martin, an investment banker and main street business owner who would eventually become his co-founder in Honeycomb Credit. They both realized from their own experiences that there was a growing hole in the small business banking segment, due to the declining numbers of community banks across the country. Their goal was to bring back relationship banking to the small businesses that needed it most.

In 2017, George and Ken set out to create a locally-focused crowdfunding platform. Utilizing the guidelines set forth in the JOBS Act of 2012, which relaxed securities regulations and made it easier for small businesses to raise capital, they built their own tech-enabled, scalable funding portal. Honeycomb Credit works with qualified, locally-owned businesses that need expansion capital. By tapping into their existing customer bases and surrounding communities, while leveraging Honeycomb Credit’s expertise and platform, these business owners are able to raise the loan proceeds that they need to grow their companies.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH GEORGE COOK AT:

Website: https://www.honeycombcredit.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeycombcredit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeycombcredit

Twitter: https://twitter.com/honeycombcredit

Don't Take Anyone for Granted | Ian Rosenberger, Founder of Thread International

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Ian Rosenberger) — Tue, 1 Dec 2020 01:23:18 +0000

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti had a lasting effect on Ian Rosenberger. During his volunteer trip to the devastated Caribbean nation, he kept a journal of his experiences there. One of his journal entries stated simply, “if Haiti could turn trash into money equals good.” This idea planted the seed for what would become Thread International. Five years and many iterations later, Ian and his small team learned how to make fabric out of recycled plastic and they landed their first global collaboration partner, Timberland. In 2019, Thread International’s material licensing brand became First Mile, aptly named for its focus on the sourcing of materials in the “first mile” of the supply chain.

Although Thread International made a significant worldwide impact during its first few years in business, Ian wanted to do even more. In 2018, he launched Day Owl, a consumer backpack and accessories company that uses First Mile sourced recycled plastic materials in its products. Thread International is a Certified B Corporation, which means that it has pledged to meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental accountability and performance, while balancing profit and purpose. In this episode, Ian shares what it was like to grow up in a family of entrepreneurs, how we can use business to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, and what he learned about life from his participation on the reality TV show, Survivor.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH IAN ROSENBERGER AT:

Website: https://www.firstmilemade.com

Website: https://www.dayowl.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstmileimpact

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellodayowls

Twitter: https://twitter.com/firstmileimpact

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellodayowls

Surround Yourself With Excellent People | Fiore Moletz, Founder of Burgh'ers Brewing

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Fiore Moletz, Darin Vilano) — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 01:56:49 +0000

In 2008, Fiore Moletz noticed that there was a gap in the Pittsburgh culinary scene. The city needed a gourmet burger restaurant that used high-quality beef and ingredients served in a friendly, hometown atmosphere. There was only one problem. He didn’t have the money to get it off the ground. It took two years of saving, plenty of hard work, and finding the right partners to finally open Burgh’ers in 2010. Several years later, Fiore added a second location in Lawrenceville, but he realized that something was missing. The dream of adding craft brews to the menu began when Fiore met his future business partner and head brewer, Neil Glausier, in a chance encounter at a local crawfish boil in Harmony, PA. The two were kindred spirits, and their conversations over food and drink ultimately led to a partnership. In 2017, a full-scale brewery operation was added, and Burgh’ers became Burgh’ers Brewing.

Sustainability lies at the heart of Burgh’ers Brewing, and Fiore and Neil take pride in the recognition their business has received for its environmentally sound practices. From the beginning, Fiore set an audacious goal of sourcing virtually all ingredients from within a 200-mile radius. Anyone with a cooking or restaurant background will tell you how incredibly difficult this is to pull off. And their food – an elevated take on American classics – has received its share of awards and recognition, as well. Fiore, head chef, and Neil, head brewer, are two self-taught masters who have honed their skills through persistence, experimentation, and putting in the work. Their collaboration has given us one of the finest burger and beer joints in our region.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH FIORE MOLETZ AT:

Website: http://burgherspgh.com

Website: https://www.dellaterrapgh.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurghersBrewing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burghersbrewingpgh

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BurghersBrewing

Don't Wait for the Right Time | Mike Sharp, Owner of Sharp Insurance Agency

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Mike Sharp, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 6 Nov 2020 20:07:57 +0000

Mike Sharp didn’t let the pandemic stop him from starting his own independent insurance agency. In August 2020, he realized his dream and opened the doors to his office in the Brentwood borough. Both he and his wife did the bulk of the renovation work to the space, which needed considerable upgrading before they could open to the public. Mike’s experience as a sales agent, manager, and recruiter with two large national insurance companies has given him the confidence and depth of knowledge necessary to build his own firm. His choice of creating an independent agency allows him to provide his clients with multiple options from a variety of insurance carriers.

Aside from his career in the insurance industry, Mike has worked as a police officer in the Pittsburgh area for a number of years. His experience in law enforcement has given him the negotiation and communication skills necessary to provide his clients with a high level of service. In this episode, Mike explains the most common mistakes he sees entrepreneurs make when it comes to buying insurance. He also explains why pandemics are not covered in insurance policies, much to the surprise of small business owners everywhere this year. And he ends the interview with some sage advice that all up-and-coming entrepreneurs should hear.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MIKE SHARP AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharp.insurance

Phone: 412-207-9047

Follow Your Heart | Linda MacMurdo, Owner of The BANTU Collection

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Linda MacMurdo, Darin Vilano) — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:50:53 +0000

Linda MacMurdo’s journey began in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was there that she was born to an African mother and a native Pittsburgh father who was also a Peace Corps volunteer. Linda spent much of her young childhood in various African nations, as her father moved the family from place to place for work. Civil and political unrest in Africa eventually led her family back to the U.S. Two years ago, Linda decided to honor her African heritage by starting The BANTU Collection, an online boutique featuring custom-designed and handmade clothing, home décor, and accessories imported from Africa.

With financial support from a co-worker and a small Kiva loan, Linda was able to bring her dream to life. Anyone who has ever started a business knows how incredibly difficult it can be. Not only has she managed to launch a business, but she has done so in spite of cultural, language, and distance barriers that would intimidate even the most determined of entrepreneurs. Linda has thoughtfully curated a line of unique, unexpected, and skillfully made products through the relationships she has built with villages and artisans from her native homeland. The bespoke design and production process results in items that are truly one-of-a-kind. Today, Linda is realizing her vision of bringing the beautiful fashion designs and wide range of African styles to the American market.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH LINDA MACMURDO AT:

Website: https://www.shopbantucollection.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebantucollection

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebantucollection

Email: info@shopbantucollection.com

Always Expect the Unexpected | Ben Smith, Co-Owner of Reclamation Brewing Company

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Ben Smith) — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 22:05:17 +0000

When Ben Smith and his father opened Reclamation Brewing Company in Butler, PA in 2015, it became the first brewery to operate in Butler County since the days of Prohibition. After years of disappointment with the mass-produced, watered-down beers that most bars and restaurants offered, the Smiths decided to once again “reclaim the good name of beer” and open their own establishment. Their mission is to show the public that craft beer doesn’t have to be pretentious or snobby. Instead, they set out to demonstrate that everyday beer can be delicious, enjoyable, and approachable for all who are willing to give it a try. Since they’ve opened their doors, they have elevated beer culture and created a community of fans in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.

In 2018, the Smiths opened a sister business, the RB Cigar Bar & Speakeasy. In that same year, Ben Smith became the mayor of Butler. He was recruited to civic duty by a group of concerned local citizens who admired his personality, leadership style, and business acumen. And if all of that wasn’t enough, he is also involved in producing and hosting two podcasts. In this episode, Ben talks about the roots of his brewing business, what it was like to renovate a building over 100 years old, and why approachability is central to his brand.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH BEN SMITH AT:

Website: https://www.reclamationbrewing.com

Website: https://www.rbcigarbar.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reclamationbrewing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReclamationBrewingCo

Email: Contact@ReclamationBrewing.com

Phone: 724-282-0831

You Have to Be Good at What You Do | John Vella, Owner of The John Vella Salon

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, John Vella) — Fri, 9 Oct 2020 17:12:26 +0000

John Vella discovered his interest in hairstyling at the tender age of 13 when he helped his mother fix a haircut that she wasn’t happy with. After high school, he went on to cosmetology school in Pittsburgh to learn the trade that he hoped would fund his way through college. His love for hairdressing blossomed, and it ultimately took precedence over his plans to become an accountant. John’s first job was with Horne’s Department Store, and he quickly rose through the ranks in his corporate position, which eventually brought him to the West Coast. His passion and drive for his work led to opportunities to style hair for models and celebrities in fashion shows and glamorous red-carpet events.

After a successful beginning to his career in California, John decided to relocate to Pittsburgh in the early 2000s to raise his family. Leaving corporate life behind, he opted for working in privately-owned salons in the Pittsburgh area. He also had a ten-year run as a guest on the “Makeover Monday” show on KDKA-TV. Recently, John started a new chapter in his life when he opened The John Vella Salon. He decided to take everything he has learned throughout his accomplished career and put it to work under his own brand. Today, John spends most of his time in his Pittsburgh salon, but he has continued to maintain a presence in San Francisco and Beverly Hills.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JOHN VELLA AT:

Website: https://www.johnvellasalon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohnvellasalon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejohnvellasalon

Email: TheJohnVellaSalon@gmail.com

Phone: 724-590-1772

Just Get Started | Alan Mabry & Sean Bailey, Co-Founders of Upstream Coding

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Sean Bailey, Alan Mabry, Darin Vilano) — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 15:39:56 +0000

After participating in a coding boot camp in California, Alan Mabry was hooked on the idea of teaching and mentoring students to upgrade their skills and bring new products and ideas to life. Shortly after this experience, he moved back to Pittsburgh invigorated and excited to get started on his new business idea. In 2018, Alan Mabry, Josh Studl, and Sean Bailey founded Upstream Coding with the fundamental premise that programming, coding, and web development should be affordable and accessible to all who wish to learn. Each of the co-founders brought a unique set of skills and experiences to the partnership, which has fueled their growth and success since starting the company. Their initial education model was a hybrid of online and in-person courses, which was a key differentiator here in the Pittsburgh market.

Over the past two years, Alan, Josh, and Sean have adapted to a rapidly changing marketplace, and their business model has changed as a result. They now offer online courses through a membership model that they call the “orbit” framework, which allows students at any level to join the revolving curriculum without being restricted by rigid start and end dates. They’ve also modified their platform so that it can be used to test the technical skills and proficiency of potential job candidates for employers. And most recently, they are planning to link their courses with an educational institution in order to reach a wider population of students who wish to learn coding skills.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH ALAN MABRY AND SEAN BAILEY AT:

Website: https://www.upstreamcoding.com

Website: https://turbinelms.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upstreamcoding

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upstreamcoding

Email: hello@upstreamcoding.com

Phone: 412-444-8615

Don't Take No for an Answer | Jen Urich, Owner of Farmer x Baker

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Jen Urich, Darin Vilano) — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 22:48:01 +0000

Jen Urich didn’t just start a new café. She started a new café out of an upcycled shipping container in a public park, while growing many of her own herbs and vegetables. Needless to say, starting the first shipping container restaurant in Western Pennsylvania presented numerous challenges and obstacles, not the least of which was finding the right location and meeting the stringent requirements of the health department. Jen and her husband, who tackled much of retrofitting and design, often ran into difficulties trying to apply the rigid rules to their tiny, non-traditional space. Jen didn’t take “no” for an answer, and after significant effort, extensive renovations, and numerous conversations and negotiations, she was finally able to bring her dream to life.

Several years earlier, Jen and her family stumbled upon a beautiful 5-acre property with a 200-year-old farmhouse that was in dire need of a makeover. As a landscaper who loved working outdoors, she was itching to grow perennials on her newly acquired land, which hadn’t served as a working farm in more than 50 years. Her experimentation with farming eventually led to the cultivation of various types of rare and difficult-to-grow produce that she sold to local restaurateurs. Ultimately, Jen’s experiences as a first-generation farmer, restaurant supplier, and baker culminated into her vision – an environmentally sustainable café with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, which she aptly named Farmer x Baker.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JEN URICH AT:

Website: https://rootandheartfarm.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmerxbaker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmerxbaker

Email: farmerxbaker@gmail.com

Phone: 412-721-2113

There Is Power in Partnerships | Gregg Zegarelli, Owner of Technology & Entrepreneurial Ventures Law Group

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Gregg Zegarelli) — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:28:34 +0000

When Gregg Zegarelli founded Technology & Entrepreneurial Ventures Law Group in 1990, not only was his firm’s name unique, but so was his approach to building his practice. He was one of the first lawyers in Pennsylvania to advertise under the category of computer law. Today, Gregg focuses on the transactional areas of corporate and intellectual property law, but he also has considerable experience in litigation where he has represented clients in several high-profile technology disputes. Borings v. Google, which was the first case brought against Google’s Street View technology platform, is one of these landmark cases that we discuss.

In our conversation, Gregg describes some common mistakes that entrepreneurs make when starting their businesses. He also provides some valuable tips for how small business owners can find the right attorney to work with. This episode is jam-packed with incredible insights and ideas, but Gregg’s parting thoughts pertaining to the power of partnerships may be the most valuable of all. While many entrepreneurs are apprehensive about forming partnerships, it was refreshing to hear an attorney espouse the many benefits of joining forces with like-minded people in pursuit of a common goal.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH GREGG ZEGARELLI AT:

Website: http://www.zegarelli.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggzegarelli

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greggzegarelli

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zegarelli.law

Email: excellence@zegarelli.com

Phone: 412-833-0600

Now Is the Time to Get Creative | Christina Dickerson, Owner of Dickerson Creative Communications

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Christina Dickerson, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 5 Sep 2020 22:35:56 +0000

Christina Dickerson, owner of Dickerson Creative Communications, is a media relations, digital marketing, and event planning expert. Her impressive list of clients includes local celebrities, professional athletes, non-profit organizations, Pittsburgh-based corporations, and entrepreneurs. Dickerson Creative Communications has been involved in many of the area’s leading events including The Jerome Bettis Caring for Kids Gala and The First Tee of Pittsburgh, which featured President George W. Bush in 2016. She is also a co-founder of Savor Pittsburgh, a celebration of our region’s amazing culinary scene and an important fundraising event for Magee-Womens Research Institute.

Before moving to Pittsburgh, Christina wrote, produced, and hosted a weekly television show based in Indianapolis. The TV show covered a variety of animal-based topics, and it put the spotlight on dog fighting and other forms of animal abuse. This led to Christina’s partnership with the Humane Society and with her working as a registered lobbyist to pursue new state legislation to prevent animal cruelty. The television show went on to receive national and international recognition, which included awards from Telly Awards, Peabody Awards, Aegis Awards, and Communicator Awards. In our discussion, Christina talks about how her work in television shaped her career, what needs to happen for the event planning industry to regain its footing in a post-pandemic world, and why now is the time for business owners to get creative.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH CHRISTINA DICKERSON AT:

Website: https://www.dickersoncreative.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dickersoncreativepgh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DickersonCreative

Email: christina@dickersoncreative.com

Phone: 412-657-3483

Be Open to Change | Janna Hockenjos, Owner of Inhale Yoga Together

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Janna Hockenjos) — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 19:59:08 +0000

While living in New York City, Janna Hockenjos rediscovered yoga. Although she first encountered it as a teenager, this time around she developed a deep connection and mature love for the practice. City life was exciting and full of challenges. A busy social calendar, attending graduate school at New York University, and starting a career as a budding magazine journalist all added to the mounting pressures that she faced. It was at this point that she began to look for an outlet to release stress. One day, Janna walked into a yoga class and everything changed. Eventually, she set out to pursue a new career as a yoga instructor.

Janna moved back to Pittsburgh, and she fully immersed herself in yoga instruction. When her home studio faced either sale or permanent closure, she took a leap and bought it, and Inhale Pittsburgh was born. Although Janna changed careers, she never left journalism. She has written two books – He Never Liked Cake and Move Feel Think. The first is a memoir that recounts the story of her father’s traumatic brain injury, which happened when she was a teenager. And the latter is a how-to yoga guide for those who suffer from PTSD or traumatic brain injuries. She also works as a freelance writing coach and developmental editor for book authors. Like all entrepreneurs, Janna has adapted her business to the realities of the pandemic. Shortly after recording this podcast, she decided to keep her physical space closed and expand her online yoga offerings. Her business has been rebranded as Inhale Yoga Together.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JANNA HOCKENJOS AT:

Website: https://inhaleyogatogether.com

Website: https://www.jannahockenjos.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inhaleyogatogether

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannacabana

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inhaleyogatogether

Stop Working on Your Product and Just Go Sell It | Dr. Ben Schmidt, Co-Founder of RoadBotics

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Dr. Ben Schmidt, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 22:22:56 +0000

As co-founder and president of RoadBotics, Benjamin Schmidt, PhD leads a dynamic team in the rapidly growing “GovTech” space. RoadBotics offers artificial intelligence-based road infrastructure assessments for governments around the world. By leveraging standard smartphone camera and app technology, which is paired with cloud access, they are able to deliver their product in an accessible and easy-to-use format. Most governments struggle to maintain their road networks because the process is too cumbersome, time consuming, and subjective. The robust imagery, reporting tools, and data generated by RoadBotics allows for objective decision-making and planning by those responsible for infrastructure maintenance and management.

Dr. Ben began his career in bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Realizing he had a drive and passion for startups, he worked as a data scientist and chief technology officer for a venture-backed company that focused on energy market forecasting and analytics. He then joined the founding team that launched RoadBotics, which was started at, and later spun out of, Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute. In our conversation, Dr. Ben discusses the evolution of the company, the challenges of selling to and servicing the government market, and the importance of quickly testing a concept with a minimally viable product.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DR. BENJAMIN SCHMIDT AT:

Website: https://www.roadbotics.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmidtbt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roadbotics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roadbotics

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IamBenSchmidt

Focus on Your Why | Emma Ferrick, Owner of ELF Operations

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Emma Ferrick, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 19:04:12 +0000

When Emma Ferrick started ELF Operations last fall, she didn’t expect to go full-time in her own business so quickly and in the early stages of a global pandemic. It just so happened that the economic shutdown this spring presented the perfect opportunity for her to dive head-first into her new venture, which was created to provide operational support, technology implementation, and business management services for solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. As a single mother with enormous responsibilities, ELF Operations gives Emma the flexibility and freedom she needs to structure her work schedule so that she can achieve her goals while spending more time caring for her young child.

The types of support services that Emma offers are vitally important for small businesses. Many entrepreneurs remain mired in day-to-day administrative tasks, which means they are unable to free up enough time to focus on the big strategic initiatives that will propel them to the next level. ELF Operations provides automation, efficiency improvements, and process standardization so that business owners can work on the types of projects that move their companies forward. In our discussion, Emma talks about the importance of building relationships, staying focused on why you’re building your business, and the discipline of writing down your daily goals.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH EMMA FERRICK AT:

Website: https://www.elfoperations.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaferrick

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ELFOperations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmaferrick

Email: emma@elfoperations.com

Excitement is Contagious | Luke Cypher, Owner of Blue Sparrow

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Luke Cypher, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 7 Aug 2020 23:37:38 +0000

In sailor tattoo culture, a bird represents a significant event or milestone in one’s travels. For Luke Cypher, the food truck business that he started five years ago, aptly named Blue Sparrow, is his great adventure. Globally inspired flavors and ingredients form the basis for accessible and unique street cart dishes. Luke’s food journey has taken him many places, including culinary school and gigs at Market District and Piccolo Forno in Lawrenceville. He also took a detour for a while to help with a local Pittsburgh church plant where his passions for community, music, and food all came together.

Early in Luke’s career he was at a crossroads between starting a brewery or becoming a chef. Although there is no doubt he would have created some amazing beer, we Pittsburghers are thankful for the delicious food that he serves us today. By bringing his food truck directly to the people, Luke is able to satisfy his love for building community while serving creative and fun dishes. Seeing people smile while enjoying the food he has prepared remains a vital part of why he chooses to operate Blue Sparrow as a mobile business.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH LUKE CYPHER AT:

Website: https://www.bluesparrowpgh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluesparrowpgh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bluesparrowpgh

Email: bluesparrowpgh@gmail.com

If I Can Do It, You Can Do It | Emily Bonk, Owner of Up in Suds

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Emily Bonk, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 1 Aug 2020 21:36:44 +0000

Emily Bonk was introduced to soap making at the age of 14. Her kitchen was the center of activity for the hobby shared by her mother, aunt, and friends of the family. These warm memories would later fuel her passion to start her own handmade soap business in 2019. But making the choice to go full-time as a business owner wasn’t as easy as it sounds. Emily was just a few credits shy of an associate’s degree when she came to a crossroads. Should she move on to a four-year program and further commit to becoming a teacher? Should she take on more college debt? It was at this point that she started to seriously consider entrepreneurship as a viable alternative.

Almost a year and a half after launching her business, Emily is making a product that she loves and spending her time interacting with customers at craft shows and farmers’ markets across the region. She is committed to using all-natural ingredients and a custom oil blend in her unique artisan designs. Although the pandemic virtually shut down her business, she managed to make it through with a combination of online sales and savings that she put away for a rainy day. In our discussion, you can hear Emily’s excitement to get back to selling now that the outdoor markets have reopened. She always feels right at home beside her fellow makers, artisans, and farmers.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH EMILY BONK AT:

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/UpinSuds

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upinsuds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upinsuds

Phone: 412-315-4850

Share Your Story | Dr. Tammy Washington, Owner of Sea Moss Gel Lady

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Dr. Tammy Washington, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 20:47:35 +0000

Dr. Tammy Washington’s ongoing quest for healthy superfoods led to her discovery of Irish sea moss. After teaching herself how to prepare it and turn it into a gel, she realized that her initial batch was much larger than she needed. So, like any good entrepreneur, Dr. Tammy set out to see if anyone in her social circle and community wanted to give it a try. To her surprise, the response was overwhelming. It didn’t take long for her to realize that she was on to something.

After declaring herself the “Sea Moss Gel Lady,” she began to sell her product through social media. She also quickly made several in-person sales calls and got her product into two local food shops. What’s striking about her business is just how spontaneous it developed. Dr. Tammy went from idea to product to sales with lightning speed. This allowed her to get immediate feedback, which helped her to decide if the product was worth pursuing. The other incredible aspect of her business is that it all started in May 2020 - right in the early stages of the pandemic. In this conversation with Dr. Tammy, you get a real sense of how passionate she is about bringing her unique, nutrition-packed product to market right here in our Pittsburgh region.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DR. TAMMY WASHINGTON AT:

Website: https://www.thesmglady.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmglady

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSMGLady

Email: drtammy@thesmglady.com

Collaboration Over Competition | Lauren Marts, Owner of Baked True North

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Lauren Marts, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 16:31:03 +0000

Shortly after getting married, Lauren Marts decided to give a gluten-free diet a try. Her husband suffered from gluten intolerance, so Lauren often found herself getting creative in the kitchen with gluten-free alternatives. Growing up, she spent many hours baking with her grandma, so cooking and preparing food held a special place in her heart. Before long, she was perfecting a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe that she shared with family and friends. When her sweet treat won over her father who is a traditional chocolate chip cookie fanatic, she knew she had created something special. After her product debut at a local flea market proved successful, Baked True North was born.

Today, her growing business supplies numerous wholesale accounts, offers direct-to-consumer subscription boxes, and bakes a variety of sweet and savory options all handcrafted in Lauren’s own commercial kitchen. Although the pandemic has been disruptive to her business, she has found a way to expand her offerings, pivot her distribution, and give back to the community by donating baked goods to those in need through a weekly food drive coordinated by the Bellevue Farmers’ Market.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH LAUREN MARTS AT:

Website: https://bakedtruenorth.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakedtruenorth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bakedtruenorth

Phone: 412-376-3462

Communicate With Other Local Business Owners | Hannah Lane Critzer, Owner of HLane Dry Goods & Coffee

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Hannah Lane Critzer, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 22:07:01 +0000

After relocating to Pittsburgh with her husband, it didn’t take long for Hannah Lane Critzer to realize her dream of owning a local business within walking distance from her home. HLane Dry Goods & Coffee is a modern, industrial-rustic coffee and dry goods store located in the Swissvale neighborhood. Stocked with distinctive, local items and vintage merchandise and clothing, it’s also a visual and experiential representation of Hannah’s vibrant personality. Inside, the coffee bar serves as a central hub for building relationships and community among the shop’s many loyal patrons.

HLane Dry Goods & Coffee evokes a feeling of nostalgia, and its onsite tailoring and seamstress services are reminiscent of the bygone era of the general store. It has quickly become a popular destination for enjoying a refreshment or browsing the merchandise while waiting for a fitting. Hannah’s expert training and experience in costume design and upcycled clothing allow her to offer unique and customized options to her customers.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH HANNAH LANE CRITZER AT:

Website: https://www.hlanedrygoods.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlanedrygoodsandcoffee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLaneDryGoods

Phone: 412-287-8349

There Are No Mountains Without the Valleys | Connor Claussen, Co-Owner of Axel's Pretzels

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Connor Claussen) — Sun, 5 Jul 2020 00:00:38 +0000

Axel Claussen longed for the kind of authentic, soft-baked pretzels that he once enjoyed in his native Germany. After his search in Pittsburgh came up dry, he decided to make some himself. Even though he didn’t have a baking or culinary background, he did know what a genuine German pretzel should taste like. After some trial and error, he nailed it and a budding business was born.

After a short stint in college, Connor Claussen decided the traditional career route wasn’t for him. He approached his dad about ramping up the pretzel business, and the father and son duo became partners. Since 2013, their business has grown steadily by wholesaling to breweries, restaurants and cinemas. All that came to a screeching halt in March 2020 when the pandemic hit. They had just finalized a lease on a bigger commercial kitchen space two weeks before the shutdown. Connor and his father had to quickly pivot to online and direct-to-consumer sales in order to keep the business running. Like so many other entrepreneurs, they needed to find a way to adapt. In this discussion, Connor reminds us how important persistence is for an entrepreneur and that difficult times can result in a stronger and more resilient business.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH CONNOR CLAUSSEN AT:

Website: https://axelspretzels.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspretzels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/axelspretzels

It's OK to Reach Out for Help | Brittany Hartle, Owner of Yogi Be Wellness & Your CBD Store-North Hills

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Brittany Hartle) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 05:40:01 +0000

After working in several different industries, Brittany Hartle found her passion in health and wellness. She is currently the owner of two businesses – a unique yoga practice with one-on-one coaching and outdoor group sessions and a brand-new CBD store. Whether it’s teaching people how to find peace and strength through yoga or educating customers on the benefits of CBD products, helping others is at the core of what Brittany loves to do. After relocating here from California, she has embraced Pittsburgh, taken bold risks, and made her business ideas a reality.

Although Brittany opened her CBD retail store just a week before the mandatory shutdown in March 2020, she has found a way to stay afloat during these lean times. Her perseverance, energy, and optimism shine through in our conversation. From her years of yoga practice, Brittany has learned a valuable lesson: Life is also a practice, and we’re going to fail sometimes. And that’s OK, because if we aren’t failing, then we aren’t really doing anything that interesting. She also reminds us that it’s all right to ask for help. Our egos can sometimes get in the way when we’re confused or lost or unsure of what we should do. It’s during these times that we need to remember just how many good people are out there who are willing to help.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH BRITTANY HARTLE AT:

Website: https://cbdrx4u.com/find-us/pennsylvania/north-hills

Website: https://yogibewellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogi.be.britt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourCBDStoreNorthHillsPA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogibewellness

Phone: 412-999-7703

Constantly Develop Your Customer Pipeline | Dan Hersh & Sam Stein, Owners of Engaged Prospect

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Sam Stein, Dan Hersh) — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 17:50:45 +0000

If you have a business, then you have to sell your product or service. For some people, this comes naturally, but for the majority, it can feel a bit awkward to sell what you make. In entrepreneurship there’s the pervasive attitude that just because the product is awesome, people will line up to get it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. This is where Engaged Prospect comes in. They understand that selling isn’t just telling and that having a product that solves a problem is only the first step. There’s much more to it, and great selling involves listening, asking questions, and educating the consumer. Many entrepreneurs are technically proficient in their craft and passionate about their work. They just need help selling what they’ve made.

In this episode, Dan Hersh and Sam Stein discuss the inspiration for their company, how their partnership came together, and what steps businesses should be taking right now in order to not only survive, but also thrive during the pandemic. If you’ve ever struggled with sales in your business, then this episode is for you. I know that entrepreneurs and small business owners will find it refreshing to discover that companies like Engaged Prospect exist to provide the type of help and support that is so urgently needed in the marketplace.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH ENGAGED PROSPECT AT:

Website: https://www.engagedprospect.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EngagedProspect

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/engaged-prospect

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EngagedProspect

Phone: 412-715-5151

Addressing the Pandemic & Introducing Season 5 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 21:21:44 +0000

The pandemic has brought many challenges with it, and all of us have had to adapt in one way or another. This podcast is no different. All of the interviews in Season 5 will be virtual. This will be an extended season, and the plan is to go back to in-person conversations once it is safe and appropriate to do so.

As a local podcast host, I pride myself on being able to meet face-to-face with guests. It’s one of the advantages of having a local show. And I love the energy that's generated when we’re gathered in the same room together. So, believe me when I say that I can’t wait to get back to doing that at some point in the future.

In the meantime, get ready to hear from some amazing entrepreneurs. In Season 5, I will be interviewing a wide variety of small business owners that represent a large cross-section of business types here in the Pittsburgh area. These conversations will help you get a finger on the pulse of our local small business economy.

If you’ve been wondering what’s been happening with your favorite local businesses or if you’re curious as to how business owners are surviving and even thriving under these unique and challenging conditions, then you’ll want to tune in to find out. Each week, I will bring you captivating and thought-provoking stories and insights from small business owners right here in the heart of our community.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Practice Your Craft | Marah Frank, Owner of Botanical Gypsy

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Marah Frank) — Fri, 5 Jun 2020 19:17:39 +0000

Whether it was rearranging furniture in her bedroom to create a new look or starting an American Girl doll seamstress business, Marah Frank’s sense of style and creativity was evident at a young age. Today, she expresses herself through her popular blog, A Gypsy in the City, and her mobile flower cart business, Botanical Gypsy. Within a short time, Marah’s floral designs and pop-ups have gained in popularity, and her flower cart is a unique mobile offering in the Pittsburgh region. With the help of her father, Marah also renovated a vintage 1980’s camper that she plans to incorporate into her mobile flower business at some point in the future. Right now, she uses the camper as a workshop and to take beautiful and inspirational photos that you can find on her Instagram pages and website.

During our conversation, Marah spoke about her journey of discovery as a young entrepreneur. She tried the traditional college route, but ultimately decided to blaze her own trail as a freelancer and small business owner. If you are someone who is going through the challenges of deciding whether or not college is right for you or which career path to pursue, then you will want to hear Marah’s insights on this topic. They may help you work through your own decisions as you discover what is best for you.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MARAH FRANK AT:

Website: https://marahfrank.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/botanical_gypsy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agypsyinthecity

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marahfrank

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BotanicalGypsy

You Can Balance a Business and a Career | Aja Maria Bencsics, Owner of Aja Maria Floral

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Aja Maria Bencsics) — Sun, 24 May 2020 17:06:32 +0000

After her wedding, Aja Maria Bencsics wanted to preserve her bridal bouquet in a way that expressed her sense of style and flair. Little did she know it at the time, but her creation would ultimately inspire a business idea centered around a medium that she treasured. Aja is passionate about flowers. She loves the way they look, how they make her feel, and the unique ways in which we use them to mark the major events in our lives. After listening to her speak, it’s clear to see that she was going to find a way to incorporate flowers into her life in one way or another. Today, Aja has established herself as one of the region’s premier floral preservationists with the ability to turn arrangements into her signature wreaths or more traditional displays, if preferred by her clients. She also serves as an excellent example of someone who balances a professional career and a small business all while meeting the constant demands of motherhood. Aja’s resourcefulness and creativity serves as an inspiration to us all.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH AJA MARIA BENCSICS AT:

Website: https://www.ajamariafloral.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajamariafloral

Never Give Up | Lauren Work Phillips, Owner of The Farmer's Daughter Flowers

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Lauren Work Phillips) — Mon, 18 May 2020 02:54:48 +0000

If you’ve been paying attention to the flower scene in Pittsburgh, you know that there’s a constant buzz surrounding The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers in Deutschtown. After working a number of gigs in New York City, including a stint at the popular ZuZu’s Petals in Brooklyn, Lauren Work Phillips decided to return to her roots in Western Pennsylvania. In 2013, she started her event flower business out of a small apartment that she shared with her husband. Two years later, they expanded into retail when they opened up their storefront on East Ohio Street. It’s an incredible feat to be able to manage both a highly sought-after event business and a prominent flower shop, but Lauren and her team are able to pull it off with style and grace. They also host an array of well-designed and creative workshops for customers. These fun events, which are often BYOB, allow attendees to be hands-on in crafting their own floral displays and wreaths. This is just one of the many things that makes The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers unique in our city. We’re so glad Lauren decided to come home!

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH LAUREN WORK PHILLIPS AT:

Website: https://www.thefarmersdaughterflowers.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefarmersdaughterflowers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thefarmersdaughter13

Phone: 412-231-1238

Share Your Goals With the World | Victoria Smith, Owner of Victoria's Mobile Flower Shop

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Victoria Smith, Darin Vilano) — Sun, 10 May 2020 21:40:36 +0000

Victoria’s weekend hobby quickly became her passion when she started Pittsburgh’s first mobile flower business. Her vision was to bring beautiful, fresh flowers to all of our unique neighborhoods, especially the places that typically never get a visit from a business like hers. And after purchasing a 1992 Daihatsu Hijet and getting it fixed up and painted, she was able to bring that vision to life. Her tiny vintage-green truck with hand-painted logo has become a recognizable part of the Pittsburgh landscape, especially when it’s brimming with colorful blooms. By the way, driving this little dynamo is no small feat. Not only is it a stick shift, but the steering wheel is on the right-hand side, so you have to shift with your left hand. Victoria took driving lessons and practiced for several months before braving the hilly, winding roads of Pittsburgh.

What do Victoria’s customers love most about her flower truck? It’s the ability to build their own customized bouquets with a little help, if needed. This is a kind of hands-on experience that you typically don’t get in a traditional flower shop. People enjoy the surprise of stumbling upon the truck while they’re out and about, which often results in a spontaneous and creative shopping adventure. So, keep an eye out, because once Victoria feels that she is able to safely set up shop again, I’m sure you’ll see her little green truck buzzing around the streets of Pittsburgh.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH VICTORIA SMITH AT:

Website: https://www.victoriasmobileflowershop.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriasmobileflowershop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriasmobileflowershop

Phone: 412-223-7078

Addressing the Pandemic & Introducing Season 4 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Fri, 1 May 2020 17:27:05 +0000

This season was recorded before the pandemic, and I want to share it with you because it features four amazing entrepreneurs in the floral design space. Their stories deserve to be told, and we are incredibly proud of the work they have done and continue to do here in our region. You’ll hear directly from the owners of Victoria’s Mobile Flower Shop, The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers, Aja Maria Floral, and Botanical Gypsy as they bring us inside their businesses and personal journeys. If you love flowers, springtime, hope and optimism, you’re going to love this season.

During this challenging time, we are all learning how to adapt to this new world in which we find ourselves. And I’m doing the same thing here with the podcast. After this season, I will be doing all future interviews remotely until it’s safe to do them face-to-face again. This was a tough one for me, because in-person conversations are my favorite part of doing a local podcast. There’s nothing like the energy that’s created between people engaged in dialogue in the same room together. We will do that again, but until that day, we will be doing the show virtually.

I believe that this podcast can serve a real purpose by providing a platform for our local small business owners to talk about what they are going through, as well as to share ideas and best practices that may help other entrepreneurs who are in similar circumstances. Therefore, instead of having a theme for each season as we’ve had in the past, I will be interviewing Pittsburgh-area small businesses of all types to find out how they’re navigating through these uncharted waters.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Build Trust With Your Partners and Team | Julie and Matt Koczko, Owners of Reginald's Coffee

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Matt Koczko, Julie Koczko, Darin Vilano) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 23:36:50 +0000

With their creation of Reginald’s Coffee, owners Julie and Matt Koczko have brought specialty coffee and a cozy café to the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Their warm and inviting coffee shop, which also doubles as a roasting room, is named after one of their furry kids; a lovable rescue dog named Reginald. One of the things that makes their space especially unique is its location in a renovated schoolhouse that’s owned and operated by the Bethel Park Historical Society. Reginald’s Coffee is playing an important role in the community, not only for its gathering space and delicious coffee and treats, but also for its contribution to the ongoing development and public use of a significant historical landmark. The combination of Matt’s engineering background and Julie’s interior design and marketing experience has been a winning formula in developing their café and brand. It’s evident from listening to their story that the trust they have in each other and in their team is a core ingredient of their success. Look for Reginald’s Coffee to continue to shape the coffee landscape in the South Hills and in the greater Pittsburgh region.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JULIE AND MATT KOCZKO AT:

Website: https://www.reginaldscoffee.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginaldscoffee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginaldscoffee

Email: julie@reggiescoffee.com

Phone: 412-831-3729

Put People First | TJ Fairchild, Owner of Commonplace Coffee

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, TJ Fairchild) — Tue, 3 Mar 2020 10:00:18 +0000

Ask anyone in the Pittsburgh coffee scene about TJ Fairchild and the words “local coffee legend” quickly follow. In the early 2000s, TJ’s company, Commonplace Coffee, was an early pioneer in the third wave coffee movement here in western Pennsylvania. As he described the origins of his business and the roots of his love for coffee, I was struck by his sincerity, modesty, and introspective nature. While TJ recounted his journey, I was amazed at the level of serendipity involved in almost every major aspect of his business. The current form that Commonplace Coffee takes today is clearly the result of a rare amount of organic and spontaneous growth. But what surprised me the most about our time together is how I instantly felt like I was talking to an old friend. It’s easy to see why people who know TJ describe him as likeable and generous. During our conversation, he reflected on his business with the clarity and wisdom that only comes from years of honing one’s craft and observing one’s industry. Whether it’s leading the way in specialty coffee roasting or providing comfortable gathering places in our neighborhoods, Commonplace Coffee has played an important role in shaping the coffee landscape of our region.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH TJ FAIRCHILD AT:

Website: https://commonplacecoffee.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonplacecoffee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commonplacecoffee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecommonplace

Email: info@commonplacecoffee.com

Phone: 412-945-0653

Know When to Take the Big Jumps | Matt Parmelee, Owner of Redstart Roasters

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Matt Parmelee, Darin Vilano) — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 04:11:08 +0000

It’s clear from his brand and business approach that Matt Parmelee is bringing something unique to the Pittsburgh coffee roasting landscape. His company, Redstart Roasters, is the only fully dedicated bird-friendly coffee roastery in our region and only one of a small handful in the entire country. His partnerships with local organizations, such as Pearl Parrot Rescue and the National Aviary, as well as with national groups like the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, demonstrate his company’s dedication to supporting the sustainability and preservation of bird habitats. But don’t mistake Redstart Roasters for just another fundraising or charity coffee business. Matt is firmly dedicated to bringing only the very best coffee to market. It just happens that the majority of it will be bird-friendly in order to promote his goal of ecological conservation while achieving the highest standards of quality and taste. Matt’s passion for roasting and his love for birds and the environment shine through in our discussion. If you want to feel good about the coffee you buy while enjoying every last sip, then Redstart Roasters should be part of your regular coffee drinking routine.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MATT PARMELEE AT:

Website: https://www.redstartroasters.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redstartroasters

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redstartroasters

Twitter: https://twitter.com/redstartroaster

Make Sure Your Heart Is in It | Matt Marietti, Owner of Atelier de Fer

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Matt Marietti) — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 00:20:29 +0000

During their time living abroad, Matt and Vanessa Marietti fell in love with European café culture. Inspired by a desire to combine good food and drink with a welcoming gathering space, they launched Atelier de Fer at the end of 2017. Matt knew that roasting his own coffee was going to be central to his concept, so he began learning and perfecting his roasting technique in the year leading up to opening the doors to his café. Today, Matt, Vanessa, and the rest of their team operate a growing and thriving business in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Strip District. In a short time, it’s become a mainstay and favorite among foodies and coffee aficionados alike. In this episode, Matt and I discussed the origins of the concept, how he learned to roast coffee, and the role his formal education and corporate career played in how he runs the business today. After listening to Matt, it’s clear just how important people and communication are to his company and his success.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH MATT MARIETTI AT:

Website: https://defer.coffee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defercoffeeandtea

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defercoffee

Email: talk@defer.coffee

Phone: 412-209-2226

Introducing Season 3 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 01:54:44 +0000

If you’re a fan of locally roasted coffee and neighborhood cafés, then you know that specialty coffee has exploded here in Pittsburgh in recent years. In this this season, I feature four important establishments that provide unique perspectives on local coffee culture. You’ll hear directly from the owners of Redstart Roasters, Atelier de Fer, Commonplace Coffee, and Reginald’s Coffee. These wonderful entrepreneurs and business operators share the origins of their companies, the inspiration for their concepts, and their incredible journeys. This season will entertain and inspire you and, of course, jump-start your cravings for a delicious cup of joe.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Hard Work Plus Consistency Yields Results | Neil Blazin and Justin Vetter, Owners of Driftwood Oven

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Justin Vetter, Neil Blazin) — Mon, 3 Feb 2020 16:40:59 +0000

I had a great time visiting with Neil Blazin and Justin Vetter, owners of Driftwood Oven, in their Lawrenceville location. It’s easy to see why our city has been pulling for these guys ever since they started selling pizza under a food tent five years ago. They welcomed me into their restaurant with open arms (we literally ended the podcast with a big hug), and our conversation covered everything from how they met to why sustainable and locally grown foods are important factors in determining what ultimately makes it onto their menu. They were candid and honest about the pros and cons of working in a partnership and in the challenges they’ve faced growing into their brick-and-mortar location over the past two years. Neil shared the roots of his love for baking and how he chose sourdough bread as the centerpiece for Driftwood Oven. Justin talked about what makes for an excellent guest experience and how important it is to break bread among the staff before opening the doors to customers. Neil and Justin both made it clear just how impactful working for Legume Bistro has been in shaping their philosophy, culture, and practices at Driftwood Oven. After listening to this episode, it’s evident just how much these two complement each other in their business.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH NEIL BLAZIN AND JUSTIN VETTER AT:

Website: https://www.driftwoodoven.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/driftwoodoven

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Driftwoodoven

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DriftwoodOven

Have a Plan B | Pete Tolman, Owner of Iron Born Pizza

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Pete Tolman) — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 21:08:41 +0000

Pete Tolman, owner of Iron Born Pizza, first encountered Detroit-style pizza on a trip to Colorado. In this episode, he recounts his surprising reaction after discovering it in such an unlikely place and how he instantly knew that he had to bring it to Pittsburgh. Pete’s journey from Smallman Galley to Millvale and now back to the Strip District in his very own full-scale restaurant is an inspiring story rich with details and kernels of wisdom. His example of having a plan B is both humorous and insightful, as newly budding entrepreneurs can almost always benefit from having a back-up plan. Pete’s acknowledgement that he isn’t exactly sure what makes his restaurants so popular is transparent and refreshing. But one thing is for sure, there is a constant buzz that’s impossible to miss when you walk into his locations. If you haven’t tried Detroit-style pizza yet, this episode will have your mouth watering and you heading for your car to go grab some for yourself.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH PETE TOLMAN AT:

Website: https://ironbornpizza.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironbornpizza

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IronBornPgh

Don't Be Afraid to Try | Rico Lunardi, Owner of Slice on Broadway

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Rico Lunardi) — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 23:37:33 +0000

Rico Lunardi’s journey from Philadelphia back to Pittsburgh and from working in management information systems to running his own pizzeria is both insightful and inspiring. We talked about the dynamics of running a family business, the thought process behind location expansion, and the challenges of staffing and retention. He also discusses his reasons for bringing New York-style pizza to our beloved city. Rico shares some of his factors that go into site selection, and contrary to the age-old mantra, location, location, location is not always a practical approach for deciding upon new locations. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes into growing and building a local business, you’re going to enjoy this episode. After listening to Rico, it’s easy to see that his love for food, family, and Pittsburgh play a prominent role in his life and business.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH RICO LUNARDI AT:

Website: https://www.sliceonbroadway.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sliceonbroadway

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Slicepncpark

Never Stop Learning | Nick Bogacz, Owner of Caliente Pizza and Draft House

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Nick Bogacz) — Fri, 3 Jan 2020 19:12:42 +0000

Nick Bogacz’s journey to becoming a successful owner and operator of five Caliente Pizza and Draft House locations started with working multiple jobs and putting in ninety-hour work weeks. He and his wife scrimped and saved enough to buy an existing local pizzeria, and the vision became reality. In this episode, Nick talks about creating a culture of growth and recognition for his employees, the challenges of expanding his company, and how he differentiates his pizzeria from the competition. During our conversation, he shared a hilarious story about the name of his business and his experience when buying the first location. Nick is also an author and speaker, and we discussed the importance of paying it forward to other entrepreneurs who need a helping hand. His willingness to open his doors and share his knowledge with other aspiring restaurateurs is an example that all of us should follow more often.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH NICK BOGACZ AT:

Website: https://pizzadrafthouse.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caliente_pizza

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbogaczofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calientepizzaanddrafthouse

Twitter: https://twitter.com/calientepdrafth

Introducing Season 2 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Thu, 2 Jan 2020 16:02:51 +0000

In each season of the podcast, I cover a different business category. Season one featured four accomplished and unique voices in the personal fitness training industry. Now, in season two, we’re going to cover a fan favorite – pizza! Get ready to hear from some impressive pizza shop owners as we discuss a wide variety of small business topics and, of course, all things pizza. Whether you’re a local foodie or just curious about how these businesses came to be, you’re going to enjoy this season.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

Find a Mentor | Personal Trainer and Health Coach, Holly Gatto

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Holly Gatto, Darin Vilano) — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 21:16:34 +0000

Holly Gatto's many years of health and fitness experience shine through in this episode. Her training as a nurse, physical therapy aide, gym manager, and personal trainer contribute greatly to the depth and richness of her expertise. I enjoyed our discussion, and we covered many important topics, such as the role a coach plays in accountability and perspective when working with clients. Her focus on customer service was especially refreshing, as it’s an area that I strongly believe in and one where small business owners can truly set themselves apart from the competition. Holly’s reminder to seek a mentor is advice that we should heed more often. On the long journey of life, there will undoubtedly be times where we can benefit from the counsel of others who have traveled the road before us.

If you have any questions, or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH HOLLY GATTO AT:

Website: https://www.hollygattofitness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollygattofitness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollyGattoFitness

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HollyGattoFit

Phone: 724-448-9631

Do What Is True to You | Personal Fitness Trainer, Keem Robinson

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Keem Robinson) — Fri, 6 Dec 2019 22:02:46 +0000

In our conversation, Keem Robinson opens up the playbook and shares incredible insights into his business and journey. Today, Coach Keem runs a personal training business and gym just blocks from where he grew up in the Larimer neighborhood. Through this business that he built from scratch, he is able to give back to his community in a positive and healthy way. It’s clear from our discussion that he has built Coach Keem Training upon the rock-solid principles of always striving to add value and putting the customer at the center of everything his business does. What he is building right here in the heart of our city serves as an inspiration to us all.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH COACH KEEM AT:

Website: https://www.coachkeem.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcoachkeem

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamcoachkeem

Phone: 412-689-2197

Embrace Your Uniqueness | Strength and Conditioning Coach, James Lederach

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, James Lederach) — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 20:27:28 +0000

It was a pleasure having James Lederach on the show. He takes us on a heartfelt journey as he talks about his search for making an impact in the world. He didn’t know it at the time, but the place where he spent much of his youth and early adulthood would become the place where he would teach others and realize his true calling. James’s attentiveness with clients, pursuit of science-backed evidence, and willingness to think critically about exercise and nutrition exemplify what it means to strive for mastery in one’s craft.

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH JAMES LEDERACH AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_lederach

Phone: 724-553-2120

Clock in on Your Own Dream | Personal Fitness Trainer, Garrett Davis

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano, Garrett Davis) — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 18:12:23 +0000

I loved having Garrett Davis on the show, because he is a great example of someone who has both a full-time job and a side hustle that he’s growing into a bigger business. If you’re in that same position, or if you are working for someone else and have an idea for a business that you want to start, this is a great episode to check out. Over the years, I’ve met and worked with many entrepreneurs who struggled with how to build a business while they’re employed, as well as how to know when it’s the right time for them to make the leap to full-time business owner. In this episode, we cover some of the obstacles that Garrett faces as he builds his personal fitness training business. Many of these challenges are common to people who are in the same position, so I know you will get tremendous value from listening to it.

If you have any questions, or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So, please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I'm doing. It means a ton!

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH GARRETT DAVIS AT:

Email: gdavis412@gmail.com

Phone: 412-339-7533

Introducing Proprietors of Pittsburgh

darin@proprietorsofpittsburgh.com (Darin Vilano) — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 22:03:15 +0000

The Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast is about sharing stories and making connections. In this new podcast from Darin Vilano, you’re going to hear from local entrepreneurs and small business owners of all types – everything from people who are just starting out to those with well-established companies. And the best part? These are local people that you can actually reach out to and connect with.

Whether you're a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or simply a fan of all things local, you’re gonna love this podcast.

If you have any questions, or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So, please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I'm doing. It means a ton!

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast