In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Kevin O’Brien, co-founder of TechFirst Insurance Agency. With a career spanning decades—from working with industry giants like Travelers to leading family-run agencies and bank consolidations—Kevin has seen the insurance landscape transform through technology and private equity.

Now, Kevin is "starting fresh" with TechFirst, a partnership with Mark Shaw of StoredTech. We dive deep into why human expertise is more critical than ever in an era of automated claims, the rising "hot topic" of cybersecurity for small businesses, and why having a local advocate in your corner can save your business from a traumatic loss.

Whether you are a solopreneur thinking no one would ever hack you, or a seasoned business owner navigating rising premiums, this conversation is a masterclass in risk management and community-minded leadership.

• The Cybersecurity Myth:Many small business owners believe they are too small to be targeted. Kevin explains why hackers "dial for dollars" looking for open ports, regardless of business size, and how modern cyber insurance provides more than just a payout—it provides a recovery team and reputation management.
• The Independent Agent Advantage:Learn the difference between "captive" agents and independent agents. Kevin explains how having access to 12-15 carriers allows for better "coverage stacks" and competitive pricing that a single-rate company can't match.
• Why Local Matters in a Claims Crisis:In a world of AI-generated checks, Kevin discusses the value of a face-to-face relationship. When a "traumatic" event like a fire or a hack occurs, having an agent who can size up the claim before you even call the carrier is vital.
• The "Two-to-Four Year" Rule:Kevin shares candid advice for new entrepreneurs: passion is the engine, but time management is the steering wheel. He discusses why most businesses face a "pain period" of 2-4 years before finding their stride.
• Giving Back as a Business Strategy:Kevin discusses his deep involvement in the Adirondack community and why the non-profit sector is a major economic driver in the North Country.

• TechFirst Insurance Agency

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Disrupting Upstate Real Estate: Technology, Discretion, and the $6.5M Lake George Estate with Realize Brokers

Episode Overview:

What do aviation, cryptocurrency, and a chance meeting at a local cigar bar have to do with the future of real estate in Glens Falls? In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Spencer Bray and Nic Ketter, the innovative co-founders of Realize Brokers. Rejecting the older, traditional methods of property brokering, this duo is rewriting the rules of the local market. Discover how their unique backgrounds—from fueling planes to working in emerging tech at General Electric—led to a real estate agency built on custom digital marketing, intense discretion, and deep community relationships. Whether you are looking to buy, thinking of selling a business, or just want to understand the shifting landscape of Upstate New York real estate, this episode is packed with insider knowledge.

🎧 In This Episode, You'll Discover:

- The Ultimate Side Hustle: How a shared passion for crypto led the founders to start a side business flipping computers, graders, and even an airplane, laying the entrepreneurial groundwork for their brokerage.

- Why the MLS Isn't Enough: Learn why relying solely on standard Multiple Listing Service templates puts sellers at a disadvantage, and how Realize Brokers uses custom-built property pages, 3D modeling, and drone tours to capture buyers.

- The Peppermill Secret: Hear the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of how the duo used "white-glove" premium service and strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to privately broker the sale of a beloved 30-year-old local restaurant without panicking the staff.

- Brokering a $6.5 Million Historic Estate: Get the inside scoop on the prominent sale of the 3.3-acre Green Harbor Mansion on Lake George, and the exciting new plans the buyers have for the property.

- Market Insights & Wealth Preservation: Nic and Spencer break down the current "rate lock" keeping residential inventory low, the unique mechanics of commercial turnover, and why real estate remains a powerful "wealth preservation vehicle".

- Rejecting the "Eat What You Kill" Culture: Find out why Realize Brokers completely ignores the traditional, hyper-competitive real estate employment model in favor of a small, heavily supported team.

Explore Further & Connect: Ready to see their custom property pages or connect with the founders to discuss your real estate needs?

- Realize Brokers Website: https://realizebrokers.com/

- Connect with Spencer Bray on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/spencerbray

- Connect with Nic Ketter on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nicketter

More About the Show & Host: Building Success Stories offers an intimate look at the minds of the innovators and leaders shaping our region's economy.

- Ann Donnelly: https://anndonnelly.com and on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/anndonnelly

- Building Success Stories: https://anndonnellybuildingsuccessstories.com

- North Country Media Network: https://northcountrymedianetwork.com

Thanks for tuning into Building Success Stories!

The best way to support the local business community is to share this podcast with one other leader who needs a spark today.

This conversation began as a feature article for the Saratoga and Glens Falls Business Journals. We've partnered with them to turn those printed insights into broadcast-quality authority assets, allowing you to hear the person behind the business in their own words.

In this episode, Ann Donnelly sits down with Colleen Carlson, the Director of Sales at the Saratoga Casino Hotel, to explore a career that spans decades at one of Saratoga’s most iconic properties. From her humble beginnings selling race programs at age 15 to overseeing sales for a massive complex that includes a hotel, casino, fine dining, and elite event spaces, Colleen shares the "magic" behind their "under one roof" strategy.

We dive into the evolution of corporate entertainment, the power of authentic community involvement, and how being a "good neighbor" is actually the ultimate sales strategy.

• The "Under One Roof" Advantage:Learn how integrating multiple amenities—fromMorton’s The Steakhouseto theVapornightclub and theAdirondack-style Lodge—creates a seamless experience that drives repeat business and simplifies event planning.
• Relationship-Driven Sales:Colleen reveals why she doesn't "go out seeking business" in the traditional sense. Instead, her deep-rooted involvement inlocal non-profits and community boardsnaturally funnels high-value events to the property.
• The Power of Authenticity:In an industry that can feel corporate, Colleen’s "started at 15" origin story and her focus on genuine connection remind us that people buy from people they trust.
• Adapting Facility Use:Discover how the property pivots its spaces—like using theFortune’srestaurant for private events or setting up custom betting stations for corporate parties—to meet modern demands.
• Corporate Social Responsibility:A look at the Saratoga Casino Hotel’s commitment to the community, including their$120,000 Giving Tuesdayinitiative and its impact on brand loyalty.

• Saratoga Casino Hotel

This interview was held in conjunction with the Saratoga Business Journal.

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly sits down with Sharon Horton, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. With a rich background spanning hospitality and major nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and NAMI, Sharon brings a wealth of operational and advocacy expertise to the region's housing challenges. Sharon discusses the profound, generational impact of homeownership, the organization’s strategic pivot to modular building to combat rising costs and weather delays, and the exciting new initiatives on the horizon—including a powerful "Women Build" project in Hudson Falls.

Key Takeaways

• The Reality of the Habitat Model:Habitat for Humanity is a hand-up, not a hand-out. Families earning between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) must demonstrate financial readiness, establish a clear housing need, and invest "sweat equity" hours into their home or the local ReStore.

• Strategic Adaptation:To serve more families efficiently amid rising construction costs and unpredictable North Country weather, the organization is shifting from traditional stick-builds to high-quality, airtight modular homes.

• Empowering Women:The upcoming Hudson Falls project will feature a "Women Build"—a home built for a woman, by women, supported by a 4-week competitive fundraising campaign led by local female leaders.

• The Secret to Nonprofit Success:Standing out in a crowded charitable space requires listening first. Meeting donors, volunteers, and board members where they are and aligning with their passions is the key to sustainable growth.

• Building the Infrastructure:The affiliate is actively seeking passionate board members with diverse skill sets (real estate, marketing, law, construction) to help scale their operations and eventually transition into multi-unit townhome developments.

More Information

• Learn more, apply, or donate:Visitglensfallshabitat.org.

• Shop or Volunteer:Check out the Southern Adirondack ReStore located right on Route 9 in South Glens Falls for unique, high-quality furniture and building materials.

Embracing Sustainability with the Use Less Store in Glens Falls

Discover how Kevin Kroeze has revolutionized local shopping with his eco-friendly refill store, bringing sustainable habits to Glens Falls. Learn about innovative products, community impact, and tips to start reducing waste today.

This episode offers practical insights into small-scale sustainability initiatives and how local businesses can drive environmental change while effectively engaging communities. Tune in for actionable tips and inspiring stories!

Key Topics:

- Introduction to the Use Less Store and its refill-ery concept, emphasizing bulk and eco-friendly products

- The importance of reuse, recycling, and reducing plastic waste, including practical product swaps

- The role of thrifting and upcycling in supporting sustainability and reducing expenses

- The challenges and opportunities of starting a small, eco-conscious business

- Community engagement, marketing strategies, and collaborations, including local events like Ladies Night and farmers markets

- The benefits and logistics of refilling with traditional and new products, cost savings, and environmental impact

- Future plans, product sourcing, and the importance of small steps towards zero waste

- The significance of location, signage, and online presence for local business success

More Information:

- The Use Less Store of Glens Falls website

- The Use Less Store of Glens Falls Facebook

In this episode, Jared Humiston, President and CEO of Adirondack Technical Solutions (ADKtechs), shares his journey from a small startup to a thriving IT service provider focused on proactive cybersecurity, strategic growth, and company culture. Discover how intentional client selection, embracing technology, and investing in team well-being have fueled their success over two decades.

Key Topics

1. Founding story: Starting with a single customer and scaling rapidly within three to four years
2. Evolution of tech services: From hardware sales and on-premises solutions to cloud-based security and remote access
3. Strategic move: Transitioning to a multi-use facility to support growth and attract talent in upstate New York
4. Operational efficiencies: Streamlining processes through AI, standardized procedures, and reducing client count for personalized service
5. Client focus: Valuing quality, uptime, and proactive security over quantity of clients for better retention and less chaos
6. Company culture: Investing in employee benefits, team camaraderie, and reduction of turnover to improve service and morale
7. Future outlook: Incorporating AI, industry consolidation trends, and expanding talent reach across the East Coast
8. Advice for potential clients and employees: Valuing partnership, strategic guidance, and a strong culture over purely cost-driven decisions

More Information

1. ADK Techs Website
2. Jared on LinkedIn

Discover the inspiring journey of Ryan McNaughton as he transforms his passion for coffee into a community-centered coffee shop in Moreau. From humble beginnings with homebrewing to opening a bustling local spot, Ryan shares insights into entrepreneurship, ethical sourcing, and fostering the local community.

Key Topics:

1. Ryan’s background and how he transitioned from music to coffee entrepreneurship
2. The evolution of Stinky's Coffee Co: from idea to opening
3. Strategic location choice near Northway exit 17 and its advantages
4. Coffee offerings: specialty pour-overs, seasonal lattes, and fresh roasted beans
5. The new food menu features gluten-free options and local sourcing
6. Vision for building a community hub and inviting locals to make the space their own
7. Future goals: visiting coffee farms in Guatemala and expanding roasting capabilities
8. The story behind the nickname "Stinky" and branding considerations

Further Information

1. Stinky's Coffee Co.