Episodes

  • Sal Longo - Hey Neighbor 120
    Mar 5 2026

    In this episode we sit down with Sal Longo, self-made entrepreneur, founder of Northern Safety, CEO of Zing Green Safety Products and the driving force behind several of the Mohawk Valley’s most talked-about hospitality destinations. From starting out selling safety products out of the back of his car to building a global company over nearly four decades. Sal shares the lessons he learned along the way about leadership, grit and surrounding yourself with the right people. His story is a reminder that success rarely comes from talent alone, it comes from persistence, trust and a willingness to outwork the competition.

    We also dive into what happened after Sal sold Northern Safety and realized retirement wasn’t exactly his style. That realization sparked a new chapter filled with ventures across the region. From launching Zing Green Safety Products, a company focused on sustainable safety gear, to developing beloved local hospitality spots like Rocky’s, Roman’s, Tito's, Kuyahoora Resort & Stonebridge. Sal talks about the challenges of entering the restaurant world, rebuilding Valley View, and why creating experiences for the community has become such an important part of his work.

    At its core, this conversation is about building things that last. Whether that’s a business, a team or a community. Sal shares what leadership means to him today, why he believes trust and hard work still win in the long run and why he’s proud to keep investing in the Mohawk Valley.

    In this episode, we talk about:
    • How Sal built Northern Safety from his trunk to a global company
    • Why leadership, trust and team culture are the keys to scaling a business
    • Launching Zing Green Safety Products and focusing on sustainable manufacturing
    • The story behind Rocky’s, Roman’s, Tito’s, Stonebridge and investing in local hospitality
    • Why Sal believes Utica is on the rise

    If you enjoy stories about entrepreneurship, reinvention and local pride, this episode is packed with perspective from someone who’s spent a lifetime building things right here in the 315.

    This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
    (https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

    ---
    Show Markers:
    (0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
    (1:40) - Scaling Northern Safety & Hands on CEO
    (4:00) - Surround Yourself with People You Like
    (5:10) - Becoming a Better Leader
    (7:25) - Sharing the Power & Trust
    (8:30) - Retiring For 10 Months
    (9:30) - Never Going Into Hospitality...
    (10:30) - Finding & Growing ZING Green Safety Products
    (14:45) - Sustainable Safety Products
    (17:30) - Continuing to Get Better & Legacy
    (20:45) - Getting Into the Hospitality Space
    (23:35) - Biggest Surprise in the Restaurant Business
    (26:10) - Transforming Valley View
    (29:00) - Variety of Menu Options
    (33:00) - Stonebridge Golf & Country Club
    (34:15) - Rapid Fire Questions


    ---
    Sal Longo's Links:
    Zing - https://www.zinggreenproducts.com
    Roman's - https://romansvalleyview.com
    Rocky's - https://rockysonthelake.com
    Tito's Tavern - https://titosvalleyview.com
    Kuyahoora Resort - https://www.kuyahooraresort.com
    Stonebridge Golf & Country Club - https://stonebridgegolfandbanquet.com


    ---
    Love Living Local Links:
    Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
    Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
    Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
    Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
    Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Ujj Rai - Hey Neighbor 119
    Feb 25 2026

    In this episode we sit down with Ujj Rai, social entrepreneur, community builder and founder of both Muju International Groceries and Nyano. This is one of those conversations that makes you stop and think about what business is really for.

    From growing up in Nepal as a pastor’s kid to studying at Harvard and now building companies right here in Utica, Ujj shares how his entire philosophy centers on one thing: fall in love with the problem. For him, business isn’t about chasing profit, it’s about solving real social challenges in sustainable ways.

    We dive deep into Nyano, his wellness tech platform that uses your phone’s camera to scan your vitals, no $400 wearable required. While making emotional and physical check-ins simple, accessible and stress-free. But this episode goes far beyond tech. Ujj opens up about why he chose Utica, why creating your own table is more powerful than fighting for a seat at someone else’s and how Muju has evolved into a community hub where cultures connect and stories are shared.

    This one is thoughtful, inspiring and packed with perspective. From redefining the American Dream to rethinking what success really means. If you care about entrepreneurship, community, mental health or building something bigger than yourself, this conversation will stick with you.

    We Cover:
    • What it really means to be a “social entrepreneur”
    • How Nyano is making health tracking accessible to everyone
    • Why you shouldn’t wait for a seat at the table, build your own
    • Turning Muju into a space for culture, food and connection
    • Falling in love with the problem instead of chasing the money

    Utica is very lucky to have Ujj.

    This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
    (https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

    ---
    Show Markers:
    (0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
    (0:45) - Social Entrepreneurship
    (5:00) - Understanding the Problem
    (5:30) - Working at Mohawk Valley SBDC
    (8:15) - SBDC Services
    (10:45) - Celebrating the Success of Others
    (11:50) - Creating Your Own Seat
    (13:45) - Alternative to $400 Watches
    (14:40) - Building the NYANO Tech
    (16:45) - Simple Way to Take Care of Yourself
    (19:00) - Emojis & Foods
    (21:40) - Local Storage Only
    (24:45) - Subscription Cost
    (26:15) - Social Element
    (33:00) - Taking Care of Loved Ones
    (37:15) - Evolution of Muju
    (43:00) - Winning Together & Abundance
    (45:30) - How Nyano Measures
    (47:45) - Rapid Fire Questions


    ---
    Ujj Rai's Links:
    FB - https://www.facebook.com/ujjwal.rai.9
    Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ujj-rai-884475256
    Nyano Website - https://nyano.life
    Nyano IG - https://www.instagram.com
    Nyano Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nyanolife
    Muju FB - https://www.facebook.com/1310MujuGoLLC
    Muju IG - https://www.instagram.com/muju_store1

    ---
    Love Living Local Links:
    Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
    Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
    Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
    Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
    Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Tim Hardiman - Hey Neighbor 118
    Feb 19 2026

    In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Chef Tim Hardiman, founder of Hardiman Hospitality, co-founder of Tailor and the Cook and host of The Hospitalitarian Podcast for a conversation that goes way beyond what’s on the plate. Tim shares how being born into the restaurant world shaped his path, and how his son’s early food allergies completely transformed the way he thinks about sourcing, cooking, and feeding people. What started as a personal shift at home turned into a farm-to-table movement that helped change the way our entire region looks at food.

    We dive deep into the why behind local sourcing, the realities of restaurant economics and the details most people never notice. Tim breaks down what hospitality really means, why before-and-after the transaction matters just as much as during and how intentional service creates lifelong loyalty. We absolutely geek out about New York State wine & cooking at home.

    Now in this next chapter with Hardiman Hospitality, Tim is bringing the experience straight to your kitchen with private in-home dinners, interactive cooking classes, wine education and a podcast spotlighting the stories behind the food, farms, and makers of New York. It’s thoughtful, it’s intentional and it’s deeply rooted in community.

    We Discuss:
    • What sparked Tim’s farm-to-table philosophy
    • Why using the whole animal matters (and what that really means)
    • The true definition of hospitality and how to go beyond the transaction
    • Why local food isn’t as expensive as people think
    • What’s next for Hardiman Hospitality, cooking classes, and NY wine advocacy

    If you love food, wine, business, or just thoughtful conversation about doing things the right way this one’s for you 🍷🍽️

    This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
    (https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

    ---
    Show Markers:
    (0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
    (1:00) - Born in the Business
    (2:00) - Local Food Economy
    (3:15) - Focus on the Source
    (7:00) - Local Wines
    (9:00) - Starting Hardiman Hospitality
    (11:20) - Difference in Quality
    (12:45) - European Experience
    (14:45) - Economics of Local Sourcing
    (16:30) - Cooking For Smaller Parties
    (18:45) - Kitchen Requirements?
    (22:15) - Only So Many Filets
    (25:15) - Tim's New Podcast
    (27:15) - Centralized Stores & Co-Ops
    (32:20) - Mohawk Valley
    (33:40) - Changes From Pandemic
    (35:50) - Defining Hospitality
    (38:30) - Beyond the Transaction
    (41:00) - Details Matter
    (44:35) - What's Next?
    (50:00) - Rapid Fire Questions


    ---
    Tim's Links:
    Website - https://www.hardimanhospitality.com
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@hospitalitarianpod
    Hospitality IG - https://www.instagram.com/hardimanhospitality
    Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/hospitalitarianpod
    FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?

    ---
    Love Living Local Links:
    Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
    Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
    Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
    Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
    Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Jennifer Boulanger - Hey Neighbor 117
    Feb 5 2026

    In this powerful and moving episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Jennifer Boulanger - author, educator, and longtime community advocate to talk about her memoir A Song for Olaf and the story behind it. Jennifer shares the journey of writing about her brother, Olaf, whose life and death during the early years of the HIV/AIDS pandemic shaped her understanding of love, grief, advocacy, and service. What begins as a sibling love story quickly opens into a much larger conversation about stigma, resilience, and the importance of remembering moments in history we can’t afford to repeat.

    Jennifer takes us behind the scenes of caring for her brother, the fear and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS in the 80s and 90s, and how the COVID pandemic ultimately became the catalyst for finally writing the book. With honesty and grace, she reflects on grief as something that never fully disappears and how purpose, writing, and community service can transform loss into action. This conversation balances heartbreak with hope, reminding us that empathy, early testing, and access to care quite literally save lives.

    Beyond the book, we explore Jennifer’s decades of work in education, refugee resettlement, and women’s advocacy, including her involvement with the Center for Refugee Services and the Whitney’s Legacy Foundation. At its core, this episode is about being a good human, showing up for others, telling the hard stories, and choosing compassion even when it’s uncomfortable.

    We Cover:
    • The story behind A Song for Olaf and honoring a brother lost to HIV/AIDS
    • Life during the early AIDS epidemic and the lasting impact of stigma and fear
    • Why grief never really ends—and how purpose helps us carry it
    • The importance of early testing, treatment access, and continued advocacy
    • Jennifer’s work in education, refugee support, and women’s health initiatives

    This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
    (https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

    ---
    Show Markers:
    (0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
    (1:00) - Why This Story Had to Be Written
    (3:45) - Growing Up with Olaf
    (5:15) - Music, Teaching, and Olaf’s Creative Spirit
    (7:55) - HIV/AIDS in the 80s & 90s
    (9:00) - Diagnosis, Illness, and Caregiving
    (9:45) - Writing About Love, Illness, and History
    (11:45) - Grief That Never Fully Leaves
    (13:50) - What's Next?
    (15:15) - Early Testing & Modern Treatments
    (16:30) - Advocacy & Education
    (19:00) - Impact of Book
    (21:00) - Background in Education
    (23:00) - You Don't Know the Effect You're Having
    (25:20) - The Writing Process
    (28:15) - Community Work & The Center
    (32:45) - Whitney's Legacy
    (36:30) - Rapid Fire Questions


    ---
    Jennifer's Links:
    Website - https://jenniferboulanger.info
    Amazon Book - https://www.amazon.com/Song-Olaf-Sibling-HIV-AIDS-Pandemic-ebook/dp/B0DYR9J2KP
    IG - https://www.instagram.com/a.song.for.olaf
    FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573940342465

    ---
    Love Living Local Links:
    Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
    Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
    Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
    Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
    Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Mike Curran - Hey Neighbor 116
    Jan 22 2026

    In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Mike Curran, founder of Wrapology, to talk cars, creativity, and what it really looks like to build a passion-first business in Central New York. What started as Mike wrapping his own car turned into a decade-long journey building one of the most recognizable automotive wrap brands in the region—known for bold color changes, meticulous detail, and serious craftsmanship.

    Mike opens up about choosing to stay small and focused, why he only does wraps (and nothing else), and how moving his shop to Utica was a conscious decision to invest back into the city he calls home. We get into the realities of running a niche business in Upstate NY, the challenges of finding the right market, and how personal branding, merch, and social media helped Wrapology become more than just a service—it became a lifestyle brand.

    From wrapping Lamborghinis and Ferraris to working on national commercial projects, movie promotions, and touring installs across the country, Mike breaks down the artistry, pressure, and pride behind every job. The episode also dives into what’s next: scaling through education, launching a wrap training course, and building something that can impact the industry far beyond Utica.

    We Discuss:
    • How Wrapology started—and why passion came before profit
    • The difference between wrapping and painting (and why wraps just make sense)
    • Building a lifestyle brand through social media, merch, and consistency
    • Wrapping high-end cars, national commercial work, and insane attention to detail
    • What’s next for Wrapology, including a wrap education platform and course launch

    This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
    (https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

    ---
    Show Markers:
    (0:00) - Introduction
    (1:00) - Eat Sleep Breathe Cars
    (2:00) - What is a Car Wrap?
    (4:00) - Moving Business to Utica
    (5:30) - Wrapping vs. Painting
    (7:00) - Biggest Obstacles
    (9:30) - Personal Branding & Social Media
    (12:00) - Most Difficult Job
    (13:50) - Self Taught & Learning Through Doing
    (15:15) - Working on the Road
    (16:30) - Using Technology
    (19:00) - Traveling Billboards
    (21:45) - What's Next? Online Course
    (24:45) - Lead with Your Best
    (26:35) - Rapid Fire Questions


    ---
    Mike Curran's Links:
    Wrappology IG - https://www.instagram.com/wrappology
    Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/mikeecurran
    FB - https://www.facebook.com/wrapologyinc
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wrapology3408

    ---
    Love Living Local Links:
    Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
    Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
    Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
    Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
    Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Ray Durso - Hey Neighbor 115
    Jan 15 2026

    In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Ray Durso—President & CEO of the Genesis Group, community connector, regional ambassador, and one of the most recognizable champions of Central New York. Ray shares the origin story of the Genesis Group, how it grew from a handful of leaders meeting twice a week into a region-wide, volunteer-driven organization, and why bringing people together across county lines is more important than ever.

    We talk about what community leadership really looks like day to day, how meaningful events (not just more events) create real impact, and why education, healthcare, first responders, and small businesses all sit at the heart of a thriving region. Ray also opens up about his personal philosophy—choosing positivity every morning, leading with faith, and never giving up on making a difference, even when the work gets hard.

    From career days that introduce thousands of students to real-world opportunities, to honoring teachers and first responders, to reminding young professionals why the Mohawk Valley is a special place to build a life—this conversation is a masterclass in optimism, connection, and community pride.

    We Cover:
    • How the Genesis Group was founded and why regional collaboration matters
    • What success really looks like for community organizations
    • Why first responders, teachers, and students deserve to be celebrated
    • How small businesses can support each other through shared challenges
    • Why the Mohawk Valley offers a quality of life you can’t find just anywhere

    This one is full of heart, perspective, and real talk about what it takes to build a stronger Central New York—together.

    🏛️ Upcoming: 26th Annual Regional Legislative Forum Breakfast
    Ray also previews the 26th Annual Regional Legislative Forum Breakfast, the Genesis Group’s first major event of the year and one of the most anticipated gatherings in the region. The breakfast brings together leaders, elected officials, business owners, and community members from across Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, and Otsego Counties for a powerful morning of dialogue, collaboration, and regional vision.

    This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
    (https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

    ---
    Show Markers:
    (0:00) - Introduction
    (1:15) - Starting with Genesis
    (4:00) - Original Core Group Meetings
    (5:30) - Day to Day Role & Educating
    (7:15) - What Does Success Look Like?
    (9:20) - Events to Look Forward to
    (11:30) - Appreciating First Responders
    (14:25) - Working with Schools
    (18:15) - Herkimer County Wide Event
    (19:45) - Ray's Optimistic Philosophy
    (22:50) - Challenges & Avoiding Controversy
    (25:15) - Respecting Time
    (26:00) - Small Business Needs & Chamber Alliance
    (29:10) - Improve the Quality of Your Questions
    (30:20) - Connecting with Ray
    (32:55) - Opinion Pieces
    (34:45) - Keeping Young Professionals Here
    (39:15) - Rapid Fire Questions


    ---
    Ray Durso's Links
    Website - https://thegenesisgroup.org
    Genesis FB - https://www.facebook.com/TheGenesisGroupMV
    This Week in the MV - https://wibx950.com/radio-on-demand


    ---
    Love Living Local Links:
    Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
    Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
    Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
    Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
    Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Doneilous King - Hey Neighbor 114
    Jan 8 2026

    In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Doneilous King - lifelong Utica resident, DEIB strategist, senior counselor at SUNY Poly, community builder, DJ, and founder of We Inspire Consulting. From growing up in Cornhill to becoming one of the city’s most impactful connectors, Doneilous shares a powerful, honest look at how poverty, family, faith, sports, and service shaped the man he is today. This was his first-ever podcast appearance, and he doesn’t hold back.

    We talk about the importance of access, mentorship, and being the “connective tissue” that keeps communities strong. Doneilous breaks down his work with students through the Educational Opportunity Program, why sports are one of the greatest teachers of life, and how losing, grit, and discipline matter more than talent alone. His perspective on youth development, leadership, and opportunity is both grounded and inspiring - especially for anyone who grew up with limited resources but big dreams.

    The conversation also dives into the creative side of his journey - from becoming a DJ during the pandemic to launching Brown Sugar, a packed R&B sing-along experience, and Network & Chill, a monthly event designed to put people in rooms together who normally wouldn’t cross paths. At its core, this episode is about service, abundance, and proving that you don’t have to leave Utica to build a meaningful, impactful life.

    In this episode, we talk about:
    • Growing up in Cornhill and how poverty helped shape purpose, grit, and drive
    • Why sports teach life lessons you can’t learn in a classroom
    • Building social capital, mentorship, and being someone others can reach
    • The story behind Brown Sugar and Network & Chill—and why community matters
    • Why doing what you love first is the key to long-term success and fulfillment

    This one is thoughtful, motivating, and full of real-life perspective—especially for anyone trying to figure out how to serve others while building something meaningful right where they are.


    This is episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
    (https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

    ---
    Show Markers:
    (0:00) - Doneilous Introduction
    (1:00) - Early Life & Service Focus
    (1:55) - Experiences & Developing Grit
    (3:40) - Fatherhood & Social Capital
    (4:45) - Role at SUNY Poly & EOP Program
    (5:45) - Who Not How & Connections
    (8:10) - Sports as a Teacher
    (10:35) - What's Changed & Lessons in Losing
    (12:30) - Specializing in One Sport
    (14:30) - Basketball Enrichment Programs & DKBA
    (16:15) - Staying Home & Connective Tissue
    (18:15) - Vision For the Future
    (20:20) - Being a Creator & Providing Joy
    (21:45) - Becoming a DJ
    (26:45) - Brown Sugar + Network & Chill
    (29:30) - Community Servant & Inspiring Others
    (30:30) - Next Chapter & We Inspire Consulting
    (32:25) - Ideal Clients & Advice
    (34:15) - Brianna Keisel Story
    (36:00) - Abundance Mindset
    (37:45) - Rapid Fire Questions

    ---
    Doneilous King's Links
    Personal FB - https://www.facebook.com/Doneilous
    Events FB - https://www.facebook.com/p/D-King-Events-100088006012383
    Network FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095365847055
    Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/doneilousking
    Events IG - https://www.instagram.com/dking.events

    ---
    Love Living Local Links:
    Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
    Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
    Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
    Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
    Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Ryan Miller - Hey Neighbor 113
    Dec 31 2025

    In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Ryan Miller—director of MVCC’s Thincubator, founder of Rust Belt Startup, podcaster, connector, and one of the quiet forces behind entrepreneurship and creative momentum in the Mohawk Valley. Ryan walks us through his unconventional path, from growing up in New York Mills and backpacking through Europe to music, startups, and eventually becoming someone who helps other people figure out what’s next—often before they even realize they need help.

    We talk candidly about what entrepreneurship really looks like, why asking “is this a good idea?” is the wrong question, and how testing, relationships, and problem-solving matter far more than perfect plans. Ryan shares how Thincubator actually works, who it’s for, and why he believes small, culturally significant businesses—not unicorn tech startups—may be the key to long-term growth in the Mohawk Valley.

    This conversation is equal parts practical and philosophical, touching on community, personal branding, proximity, creativity, and why you don’t need to leave Utica to build something meaningful. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like you’re sitting on an idea you don’t know how to start, this episode will hit home.

    In this episode, we talk about:
    • What the Thincubator actually does — and who should be using it
    • Why relationships matter more than résumés in business and life
    • How Ryan uses podcasting to build meaningful connections
    • Why solving real problems beats chasing “easy” business ideas
    • How the Mohawk Valley can become one of the best places in the country to start a small business

    Thoughtful, honest, and full of perspective—this one is a must-listen for creatives, founders, and anyone trying to build a better future right where they are.


    This is episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
    (https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

    ---
    Show Markers:
    (0:00) - Ryan's Introduction
    (1:15) - Life Long Mohawk Valley Resident
    (2:00) - Backpacking Europe & Ithaca College
    (3:50) - Bands, Kitchens & Startups
    (5:00) - Starting at Thinc
    (7:00) - Common Questions
    (9:05) - Thincubator Overview & SBDC
    (11:15) - Professional Vibe & Networking
    (13:00) - Relationships > Resumes
    (16:15) - Coffee & Connections
    (18:15) - Founders Seeking Flexibility
    (20:15) - Starting a Company
    (22:30) - Rust Belt Startup Podcast
    (25:25) - Common Denominator Success Habits
    (28:00) - Building Your Brand Online
    (29:00) - Quality Throughout Customer Journey
    (30:05) - Smaller Market & Identifying White Space
    (32:30) - What Does Success Look Like Here?
    (33:15) - Opportunities in CNY & Cultural Significance
    (35:00) - Building From the Bottom
    (36:45) - Best First Step
    (39:30) - Engineered Serendipity
    (43:25) - Rapid Fire Questions


    ---
    Ryan's Links
    RBS Website - https://rustbeltstartup.com
    Thinc Website - https://thincubator.co
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thincubator
    Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rust-belt-startup/id1375151705
    Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancmiller315
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rustbeltstartup


    ---
    Love Living Local Links:
    Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
    Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
    Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
    Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
    Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins