What is the Community Foundation and why should you care? In this episode, Scott and Kelly sit down with Nick Grimmer and Kayla Ellis to pull back the curtain on one of the most impactful—and surprisingly misunderstood—organizations in our area. From helping small nonprofits thrive, to facilitating multi-million-dollar giving days like Mohawk Valley Gives, this team is doing way more than you think behind the scenes… and they’re just getting started.

You’ll hear how the Foundation has made giving not only easier but way more fun, why September 19th might be the most important day for local nonprofits, and how even a dollar in change from a kid can make a difference. Whether you're a donor, a business owner, or someone just looking to leave a legacy, this episode will make you rethink what’s possible when an entire community gives back—together.

🎧 Oh, and did someone say $8 million raised in just three years? Yeah, that happened.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
• How Mohawk Valley Gives has transformed local giving culture
• What makes the Community Foundation a “financial services firm for good”
• Why unrestricted donations are a game-changer for nonprofits
• The real benefits of setting up your own charitable fund (even with $0)
• How local businesses can turn giving into a win-win for team culture and marketing

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Intro & Who is The Community Foundation?
(3:50) - Amount of Nonprofits Locally
(4:50) - 4th Annual MV Gives
(9:20) - Raising Unrestricted Dollars
(10:20) - Donor Communications & Relationships
(12:25) - Leveling the Playing Field
(13:30) - Choosing Where Your Money Goes
(16:00) - Pools of Matching Dollars
(19:20) - $8 Million Dollars Raised
(21:00) - 20,000 Donors
(23:15) - Family Charitable Fund as Financial Planning Tool
(32:35) - Why September?
(34:45) - Incentives & Prizes
(39:15) - Most Inspiring Moments
(40:40) - Rapid Fire Questions



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The Community Foundation's Links
Mohawk Valley Gives - https://www.givemv.org
Community Foundation Website - https://foundationhoc.org
MV Gives FB - https://www.facebook.com/people/Mohawk-Valley-Gives/61566484477259
MV Gives IG - https://www.instagram.com/mvgives
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundationhoc
Community Foundation IG - https://www.instagram.com/foundationhoc

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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
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com

What if mindfulness wasn’t just a buzzword—but a lifeline? In this episode, we sit down with Mikelle Deck, founder of Aligned Minds Consulting, to talk about mental health, mindfulness, and why your phone might be stressing you out more than you think. From EFT tapping and yoga with teenagers to regulating cortisol and managing social media burnout, Mikelle’s approach to supporting young people is anything but cookie-cutter.

Whether she’s working one-on-one with a student dealing with anxiety or introducing breathwork to entire sports teams, Mikelle is on a mission to help the next generation slow down, tune in, and thrive. This conversation is filled with real talk, practical tips, and a few deep breaths we all probably needed. (Oh, and yes, we even got a tapping demo.)

🎧 Tune in for:

• Why mindfulness is more than just meditation—it’s a daily practice
• How she’s helping students in Utica navigate anxiety, self-doubt, and social media pressure
• The story of one student who went from skipping school to thriving and graduating
• How athletes can gain an edge with mental training
• The epic benefits of Costa Rican living

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Intro & What Is Mindfulness?
(2:15) - How the Journey Began
(4:30) - What Aligned Minds Offers
(6:00) - Young Scholars Program & Utica City Schools
(7:00) - Teaching Tools & Understanding Feelings
(9:15) - Building Relationships & Connecting With Students
(11:35) - Dealing with Anxiety
(13:15) - Personalizing Sessions
(14:15) - Mindfulness in Athletics & Reframing Thoughts
(17:00) - Costa Rica Experience & Slow Living
(20:30) - Northeast Mentality
(21:30) - The Breakthrough Story: From Skipping School to Graduation
(24:30) - Cortisol, Brain Chemistry & What Teens Are Really Up Against
(26:40) - Social Media Effects & Self Soothing
(30:00) - Where Are Parents Failing?
(32:50) - One Simple Thing
(36:50) - Mikelle's Book
(38:30) - Rapid Fire Questions
(40:45) - Tapping Demo


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Mikelle's Links
Website - https://alignedmindsconsulting.com
FB - https://www.facebook.com/alignedmindsconsulting
IG - https://www.instagram.com/alignedminds111
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@aligned.minds

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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
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com

Meet Michael Flores — actor, filmmaker, and the creative force behind Dogs on the Sendero, an award-winning indie film that’s turning heads globally… and was filmed right here in Central New York. In this episode, Michael sits down with the team to talk about trading LA for Utica, building a film from scratch with a six-person crew, and how his dog Rosie (yes, the star of the film) was the MVP of the entire shoot.

You’ll hear how a miscommunication nearly derailed the most important scene in the film, how a 1970s junk office turned into a perfect movie set, and why upstate New York might be the next big backdrop for independent filmmaking. From heartfelt memories to laugh-out-loud behind-the-scenes chaos (pants came off... literally), this one’s a must-listen for creatives, movie lovers, and CNY pride-havers alike.

🎥 In this episode:

• Why Central New York has everything LA doesn't (including free fire trucks)
• How a video game friendship led to the best audio in the film
• The wild story behind the school scene shutdown (and the clever workaround)
• Turning obstacles into movie magic — including a set full of trash
• A preview of Michael’s next film, Inspector, a paranormal comedy shot in Little Falls

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Meet Michael Flores - Hollywood to CNY
(2:50) - El Sendero
(4:30) - Michael's Team
(7:40) - Years in the Making & Funding Indie Films
(10:15) - Script to Production
(11:40) - Talent & Crew Challenges
(13:45) - Dogs on the Sendero Preview
(15:55) - Michael's Background & Acting
(17:40) - Iconic Spots & Stories
(22:30) - Giving CNY a Spotlight
(24:30) - Mom & Pop Spirit & Community Support
(27:00) - Chaotic Production Day at School
(31:20) - Upcoming Film
(34:10) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Michael's Links
FB - https://www.facebook.com/SenderoMovie
IG - https://www.instagram.com/dogs_on_the_sendero
Website - https://www.senderomovie.com
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19720574/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_8_nm_0_q_sendero

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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
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com

If you think kids these days just sit around scrolling their phones… let us introduce you to Eli Pasquale. A senior at Mount Markham and living proof that hustle isn’t dead, Eli is a class president, three-sport athlete, junk removal business owner, sneaker reseller, and full-time go-getter. From flipping candy bars in middle school to running Quicks Junk Removal as a solo operation, Eli is stacking wins before he even gets his diploma.

In this episode, we talk about how a sixth-grade side hustle turned into real entrepreneurship, how he handles self-doubt, and why he thinks waiting for the “perfect time” is just an excuse. He shares how being the oldest of three brothers shaped his drive, what he's learned about discipline from sports, and how he's already thinking big-picture — from electrician work to AI-proof career paths.

🔥 In this episode:

• The candy hustle that got him called to the principal's office
• How Kicks with Karl became a legit resale business
• Starting a junk removal company as a teenager — and making it work
• Why “the right time” to start anything is today
• What it's like to be a young entrepreneur in a small-town world

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Meet Eli Pasquale – Mount Markham Senior
(0:45) - The Candy Bar Empire That Started It All
(3:30) - Building Kicks with Karl
(5:30) - Early Lessons Learned & Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
(7:00) - How Business Gave Him Confidence Beyond the Classroom
(8:00) - Role of Parents in Early Businesses
(9:15) - Quick’s Junk Removal
(11:30) - "Kids Don't Work the Way We Did"
(12:25) - School & Future
(13:30) - Playing Quarterback & Discovering Golf
(15:30) - Figuring Out What's Next & Not Boxing Yourself In
(16:30) - Being the Oldest Brother & Responsibility
(18:50) - What Keeps Eli Motivated?
(19:25) - AI Wave & Hands On Jobs
(22:05) - Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the “Perfect Time”
(23:20) - Being Different & Embracing the Grind
(24:30) - Access to Information & Continuous Learning
(26:00) - Staying in CNY vs. Moving Away
(28:20) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Eli's Links
Quicks FB - https://www.facebook.com/quicksjunkremoval
Quicks Phone - 315-922-4570
Personal IG -https://www.instagram.com/pasqualeoffical
Kicks IG - https://www.instagram.com/kickswithkarl

---
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
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com

What’s it really like growing up in a family-run car dealership? In this episode, we sit down with sibling duo Carly Steet Mathias and Joe Steet Jr. at Steet Toyota to talk about legacy, leadership, and what it means to carry the torch for a business that’s been a community staple for decades. From early memories cleaning cars to navigating the evolving world of automotive sales, these two have seen it all — and they’re doing it their way.

They share what makes the Steet culture so unique. We also dig into how they’ve adapted through industry-wide curveballs, what the future of car buying looks like, and why being family-owned still matters more than ever.

In this episode:

• How they’ve kept the family business thriving across generations
• Why treating employees like family isn’t just talk—it’s how they operate
• Surviving the COVID car shortage and staying true to their values
• Why community involvement isn’t marketing—it’s just who they are
• What’s ahead for hybrids, EVs, and the future of the dealership experience

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Carrying on the Family Legacy
(2:05) - Was There Ever Another Path?
(3:45) - Carly's Husband Story
(6:30) - Working For Steet & Culture
(10:15) - Changes in the Industry
(14:20) - Partnership Between Two Families
(17:25) - Our Community
(19:00) - Generosity & Getting Involved
(21:45) - Future of the Automotive Industry
(24:30) - Next Iteration of EVs
(27:35) - How is the Retailer Affected by Changes?
(28:50) - Memorable Customer Stories
(30:40) - Growing Up on TV
(34:05) - Advice For Family Businesses
(35:10) - Rapid Fire Questions


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Steet Ponte Auto Group's Links
Website - https://www.steetponteautogroup.com
Steet Toyota FB - https://www.facebook.com/SteetToyota
Steet Toyota IG - https://www.instagram.com/steettoyota

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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
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com

What happens when you mix golf, food, community spirit, inflatable party stations, and a whole lot of heart? You get the East Utica Classic—one of the wildest and most meaningful days of the year in Central New York. In this episode, Keith sits down with Joey Cracchiolo and Mike Peterson, two of the driving forces behind the 15-year tradition that’s become more than just a golf tournament—it’s an all-out celebration with real impact.

From handing out surprise checks to local families in need, to creating an event so hyped it literally has its own official city holiday (yes, East Utica Classic Day is a thing), these guys break down what makes the tournament so special. They also get into the chaos and fun of planning it all—from securing over 50 foursomes and 150 volunteers, to handing out fried chicken sandwiches and pouring drinks at the party station. You’ll laugh, you’ll be inspired, and you’ll probably want to grab a golf cart and join the next one.

⛳ Highlights from the episode:

• How a small tournament at Paul’s Pub turned into a 501(c)(3) with over $200k donated locally
• The emotional check presentations that keep the team going
• East Utica Classic’s epic food, drinks, DJs, water slides, and party zones
• Why their sponsors and volunteers are the true MVPs
• The committee’s vision for expanding into new events and keeping the hype alive

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro & KB
(0:45) - What is the East Utica Classic?
(2:10) - From Paul’s Pub to Full Nonprofit
(3:40) - Choosing Recipients
(4:50) - The Committee
(6:15) - Real Impact
(6:55) - The Emotional Check Presentations
(7:45) - Keeping it Local
(9:05) - Paul's Pub Connection
(10:00) - East Utica Classic Day & Brand
(11:30) - Waiting List & Bringing in New People
(13:15) - Why the EUC Tournament is Different
(15:15) - The Famous Party Station – Drinks, Chicken Sandwiches & DJ Sets
(15:45) - Prizes & Contests
(16:30) - Sponsorships & Getting Involved
(17:20) - 150 Volunteers & Something on Every Hole
(18:30) - After Party & Weather Tent
(21:00) - Leaving the Course How We Found It
(21:40) - Valley View Accessibility & Renting Extra Carts
(22:10) - What’s Next & Possible Future Events
(24:00) - EUC Team & Resources
(25:00) - Where to Find EUC Online
(25:45) - What Keeps Them Motivated
(27:30) - Rapid Fire Questions

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East Utica Classic Links
Website - https://www.euclassic.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/eastuticaclassic
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/eastuticaclassic

---
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
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com

In this episode, we chat with Vanessa Colangelo, branding expert and owner of Life Well Branded, about helping entrepreneurs cut through the noise and create a brand that actually feels like them. From DIY Canva struggles to imposter syndrome, Vanessa breaks down why branding is so much more than a logo—and how she helps small business owners find their voice, their vision, and the confidence to show up online.

We also dive into her leap from a stable corporate job (while 8 months pregnant!) to building her own business, her perspective on personal vs. business branding, and why every entrepreneur should embrace their story—even if it’s still messy.

✨ In this episode:

• Why your brand isn’t your logo (and what it actually is)
• The “soul sprint” package she created for busy, budget-conscious business owners
• How personal branding and business branding work together
• Tips for creating content that connects with your dream clients
• Vanessa’s journey from graphic designer to entrepreneur—and how she balances it all

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro
(0:20) - What is Branding?
(1:40) - The Process: From Brand Confusion to Clarity
(4:30) - Helping Entrepreneurs Translate the “Heart” of Their Work
(7:25) - Personal Branding vs. Business Branding—Why Both Matter
(10:30) - Why People Buy From People (Not Just Businesses)
(12:00) - Helping Clients Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Overthinking
(14:00) - Packages Offered
(15:50) - Who Vanessa’s Ideal Clients Are (And Why They’re Over DIY)
(18:30) - Why a Website Is Still Essential in 2025
(19:15) - Growing Beyond CNY: Working With Clients Everywhere
(20:30) - Running a One-Woman Branding Studio (and Sleeping Well!)
(22:30) - Empowering Clients to Own Their Brand Without Retainers
(24:00) - Vanessa’s Leap From Corporate to Entrepreneurship
(26:30) - Why Branding is a Non-Negotiable for Business Growth
(28:30) - What’s Next for Life Well Branded
(30:00) - Rapid Fire: Favorite Season, Pizza Picks & Branding Pet Peeves
(33:00) - Creative Process: What She Does When Stuck
(34:20) - Brands That Get it Right
(36:00) - Fitness Lessons That Apply to Business
(37:15) - Life Balance Outside Work
(38:45) - Book For Entrepreneurs
(39:30) - Something That Surprises People About Vanessa
(40:00) - Closing Thoughts

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Vanessa's Links
Website - https://www.lifewellbranded.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/lifewellbranded.co
FB - https://www.facebook.com/lifewellbranded
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/lifewellbranded
Linkedin -

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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
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com

In this episode, we sit down with Jay Groah, a scientist, real estate entrepreneur, and the bold mind behind MyYenta—a tech company changing the way professionals connect with their clients. Jay shares how a chance encounter with a realtor sparked the idea for MyYenta and how he turned a personality-matching concept into a full-blown business (yes, complete with him dressing in drag at conferences to promote it—seriously, you’re going to want to hear this story).

From behavioral science to bold branding moves, Jay’s journey is packed with creativity, humor, and big lessons about understanding people on a deeper level. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a people person, or just love a wild origin story, this one’s full of energy and insights.

💡 In this episode:

• How a frustrating real estate experience inspired the creation of MyYenta
• Why Jay dresses up like an 80-year-old woman to make his brand unforgettable
• The science behind personality assessments and tailoring client experiences
• Lessons from teaching, real estate, and entrepreneurship in the 315
• His vision for building a nationwide database of professionals based on personality matching

This episode is equal parts brilliant and hilarious—don’t miss it. 🎙️✨

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introductions – Meet Jay Groah
(0:45) - What Is MyYenta? The Origin Story
(2:20) - The Meaning Behind “Yenta” and Why Jay Dresses in Drag
(6:30) - Standing Out at Conferences: Snacks, Medicine Cabinets, and Bold Branding
(10:50) - The Realtor Experience That Sparked It All
(13:55) - Why Personality Matching Matters in Business
(15:30) - How MyYenta Works: Science Meets Service
(18:00) - Tailoring Communication and Client Gifts
(21:00) - The Vision for a Nationwide Professional Personality Database
(24:30) - Applications Beyond Real Estate: Healthcare, Teaching, and More
(27:10) - Lessons from Teaching and Why Personalization Matters
(29:30) - Utica Pride: Why the 315 Is Still Home
(32:00) - Affordable Tools for New Professionals
(35:00) - The Future of MyYenta and Scaling Up
(37:30) - Generational Shifts: Why Millennials and Gen Z Want Experiences
(41:10) - Rapid Fire: Best Conference Cities, Advice for Realtors & What Keeps Jay Up at Night
(46:00) - Cake Picnic & Community Events: A Sweet Idea for a Cause
(48:00) - Where to Find Jay & MyYenta Online

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Jay Groah's Links
IG - https://www.instagram.com/my_yenta
FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575220696126
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-real-estate-yenta
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@my_yenta
Personal FB - https://www.facebook.com/jay.groah.2025

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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
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com