Brandon Kelly of Araday sits down with Mike Brennan to share his entrepreneurial journey from construction at a young age to building innovative industrial data solutions. We discuss the complexities of the industrial parts market with his other company Central Surplus, the challenges of building a marketplace, and the future of data and AI in supply chain management.

In this episode, Mike Brennan sits down with Matt Foley of Nextcorps. Matt shares his entrepreneurial journey from market research to building SaaS products, highlighting lessons learned, the importance of customer discovery, and adapting to AI advancements. His story is relatable for anyone contemplating the leap into entrepreneurship. Matt reveals how a pivotal college experience ignited his passion for business, driven by a desire for creativity and control over his own destiny.

We dive deep into key topics such as the importance of customer interviews in product development, the challenges of scaling a business, and the impact of emerging technologies on market research. Matt shares the strategies that helped him launch his own startup, revealing both triumphs and setbacks along the way.

"Building trust is the foundation of community."

In this episode, Zuheily Acevedo shares her entrepreneurial journey from managing limousine and tattoo businesses to creating Z Links, a platform that connects newcomers with local resources. She discusses the challenges of moving between Puerto Rico and Rochester, building community, and the vision behind her innovative relocation platform. Check it out now at Z-Links.net.

On this episode of Huckaleros Mike Brennan sits down with entrepreneur Shawn Goburn, the driving force behind SRG Management Firm and Alive and Well. Shawn shares his transformative journey from the vibrant streets of the Bronx to the entrepreneurial landscape of Rochester. You'll hear how his early passion for hip-hop and the music industry laid the foundation for his business acumen and branding insights.

What makes a brand truly stand out in a crowded market? In this episode of Huckaleros, host Mike Brennan sits down with Charlie Dumo, founder of Dumo Digital, to explore the art of personal branding and marketing in today’s digital landscape.

Charlie shares his journey from a childhood immersed in consumer packaged goods to launching his wildly successful brand of chocolate peanut butter balls, a product inspired by his grandmother’s recipe. Moving half a million units in the first six months and falling in love with ecommerce marketing along the way, leading to the formation of his digital agency for CPG Brands, Dumo Digital.

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In this episode, Julio Ahumada shares his journey from local TV to digital marketing, exploring how AI is transforming search, content creation, and business strategies. We discuss the importance of adaptability, the evolving landscape of SEO, and practical tips for staying ahead in a rapidly changing digital world.

On this episode of Huckaleros, host Mike Brennan welcomes Bonnie Cywinski, a dynamic consultant and entrepreneur with a fascinating journey from retail to tech. Their conversation kicks off with an unexpected connection to the storied Sibley’s department store, where both share personal anecdotes that set the stage for deeper insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, working on AI PhD and much more.

Bonnie shares her unique path, revealing how her early experiences crocheting toys for friends sparked her entrepreneurial ambitions.

Bonnie's career evolved from a systems engineer to a successful consultant, navigating the tech landscape during the explosive growth of the 1990s. You’ll hear about the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to business, including the essence of being scrappy and seizing opportunities without waiting for permission.

Topics include:

- The balance of control and humility in startups

- Strategies for operationalizing a small business

- The importance of adaptability in a fast-changing tech environment

In this episode of Huckaleros, Kyla Brown joins host Mike Brennan to share her evolution from growing up in Rochester and studying digital retail to founding Knotch, a fashion and style AI platform. She dives into the ups and downs of building a startup, connecting her background in tech from Syracuse University to her work at Code Academy and her recent entrepreneurial moves, including her innovative Shopify app. Kyla discusses the importance of community, mentorship, and staying true to her vision, all while navigating challenges like fundraising and industry shifts. Plus, she reflects on her time in Trinidad, her deep love for fashion rooted in her family, and her goal to make style more accessible, personalized, and sustainable through technology. Key topics include how her diverse experiences in education, tech, and fashion intertwine, why embracing experimentation and feedback is essential, and the exciting future of AI in retail. Kyla also offers insights into the importance of trust, persistence, and building ecosystems that support authentic growth. Tune in for a story of resilience, innovation, and a visionary approach to transforming how we style ourselves and shop online.