Capital Connect

GTM
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship

Welcome to Capital Connect, the official podcast of GTM Payroll & HR. Hosted by GTM Business Sales Manager Kito Delgado, we bridge the gap between high-level strategy and local success. Our mission is simple: to empower organizations through exceptional service and trusted advice, turning every client into an HR Hero.   Each episode features deep-dive interviews with the Capital Region’s most influential industry and business thought leaders. We go behind the scenes to "pick the brains" of those who have built successful organizations while maintaining a culture that values both high performance and work-life success.   From local entrepreneurs to industry titans, Kito explores the pivotal moments and strategies that led our guests to the top. We discuss how to empower your team, support a thriving culture, and achieve "Work-Life Success" without sacrificing results.   Whether you’re a business owner, an HR professional, or a team-minded leader, Capital Connect provides the insights you need to build a better workforce and find your own path to success. Tune in to learn how you can apply these lessons to your own organization and become the Hero your company deserves.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Mark Eagan of the Capital Region Chamber

    In this episode of Capital Connect, we sit down with Mark Eagan, President and CEO of the Capital Region Chamber and the Center for Economic Growth. With decades of experience advocating for businesses across Upstate New York, Mark shares his insights into what makes the Albany capital region a thriving hub for innovation, workforce development, and enterprise. We dive into the current economic landscape of the Capital Region, how local businesses can leverage the Chamber’s resources to scale, and the ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the regional economy. Whether you're a startup founder, an established business owner, or simply interested in the economic future of our community, this conversation provides a strategic roadmap for growth and regional success. Key Takeaways: The Vision for the Capital Region: Mark’s perspective on the area's economic trajectory and competitive advantages.Chamber Resources: How the Capital Region Chamber supports local businesses through networking, talent attraction, and pro-business policy advocacy.Workforce & Innovation: Strategies being deployed by the Center for Economic Growth to attract and retain top talent in Upstate New York.Advocacy in Action: A look at recent pro-business initiatives and how state budget agreements impact the local economy. Links & Resources: Learn more about the Capital Region Chamber: capitalregionchamber.comExplore the Center for Economic Growth: ceg.orgContact Mark Eagan: meagan@capitalregionchamber.com

  2. Jul 31

    Jennifer Lawrence of the SEAT Center

    How do we bridge the gap between untapped local talent and the businesses that need them most? In this episode of Capital Connect, we sit down with Jennifer Lawrence, Founder and CEO of the SEAT Center (Social Enterprise and Training Center). Jennifer shares her journey of bringing opportunity to underrepresented young adults across the Capital Region, detailing how her organization equips the next generation with in-demand skills—from culinary arts in downtown Albany to green construction and healthcare. For HR leaders, executives, and small business owners, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on workforce development. Discover actionable ways your organization can partner with community programs to build a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant workplace without the corporate jargon. Key Takeaways:The SEAT Center Mission: How the organization transforms lives in Schenectady and Albany through education and sustainable wage jobs.Removing Barriers: Identifying and dismantling the systemic hurdles that keep talented youth out of the workforce.Employer Integration: Practical strategies for local businesses to connect with trained, credentialed, and ready-to-work young adults.Resources & Links:Learn more about the SEAT Center and their mission: seatcenter.orgExplore SEAT's employer partnership opportunities: seatcenter.org/about-usStreamline your workforce management with GTM Payroll & HR: gtm.com/business Subscribe to Capital Connect for more thought leadership and actionable advice designed to help Capital Region employers thrive.

  3. Jul 17

    Ryan M. Hungershafer of Spring Street Financial

    In this episode of the Capital Connect podcast, we sit down with Ryan M. Hungershafer, Founding Partner and Private Wealth Advisor at Spring Street Financial. Ryan shares his expert insights on wealth management, strategic financial planning, and how business owners and professionals can navigate today’s economic landscape to secure their financial futures. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to optimize your company's financial health or an individual focused on long-term wealth building, this conversation is packed with actionable advice you can start applying today. 🔗 Connect with our Guest: https://springstreetfinancial.nm.com/ 🏢 About GTM Payroll & HR: Capital Connect is brought to you by GTM Payroll & HR. We help businesses streamline their operations with customizable payroll, human resources, and benefits administration solutions. https://gtm.com/business/ LinkedIn Subscribe to our podcast for more insights! #CapitalConnect #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #BusinessGrowth #SpringStreetFinancial #GTMPayrollAndHR #Podcast #Finance Ask

  4. Jul 3

    Matt Scarchilli of Sandler Training

    How does a pharmacist with zero business experience end up founding a software company that gets acquired by Time Inc.? On this episode of the Capital Connect podcast, brought to you by GTM Payroll & HR, host Kito Delgado sits down with Matt Scarchilli, Franchise Owner of Sandler Training in Albany. Matt shares the incredible 15-year story behind Sports Sign Up, a company born out of a desperate need to modernize a cumbersome paper registration process for the Latham Soccer Club. What started as a volunteer passion project turned into a massive leap of faith, requiring Matt to walk away from a stable career and rely on the unwavering support of his wife to build a tech business from the ground up. Matt opens up about the realities of bootstrapping a startup, the critical self-awareness required to eventually hand over the reins to an outside CEO, and the surreal experience of negotiating a major acquisition. Today, Matt draws on his hard-earned entrepreneurial experience to coach Capital Region sales teams through the Sandler Selling System, emphasizing why a structured, disciplined approach is the key to long-term success. Key TakeawaysThe ROI of Giving Back: How volunteering and following a lifelong passion for soccer unexpectedly uncovered a scalable business opportunity.The Power of Naivety: Why overthinking can lead to paralysis, and how sometimes taking a leap of faith is exactly what you need to seize an opportunity.Knowing When to Let Go: Why founders must detach from their "baby" and recognize when it’s time to bring in external leadership to push past revenue plateaus.Mastering the Pivot: Navigating the transition from tech founder to the corporate world, and eventually stepping into franchise ownership and sales coaching.Links & ResourcesConnect with Matt Scarchilli: LinkedInGet Connected with GTM and Learn More About our Services

  5. Jun 19

    Erin Napoleone of Choice PT

    Welcome back to the Capital Connect Podcast, brought to you by GTM Payroll & HR! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Erin Napoleone, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Co-Founder of Choice PT. While her husband and fellow Co-Founder, Dr. Joe Napoleone, couldn't make it to the mic for this recording session, Erin provides an incredible behind-the-scenes look into the journey they’ve shared building a premier physical therapy practice right here in the New York Capital Region. In this episode, we explore: The Origins of Choice PT: The shared vision that led Erin and Joe to launch their own practice and redefine patient care.Building a Business: The unique challenges and immense rewards of managing a growing healthcare clinic as a husband-and-wife team.Community Wellness: How Choice PT is making a tangible impact on the health and mobility of the Capital Region.Entrepreneurial Insights: Actionable advice for other local business owners navigating growth, staffing, and community engagement. Whether you're a fellow entrepreneur seeking inspiration, a healthcare professional, or simply a Capital Region local interested in the businesses shaping our community, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Connect & Learn More: Choice Physical TherapyGTM Payroll & HR If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review!

  6. Jun 5

    David W. Dussault of P1 Industries

    In this episode of Capital Connect, a GTM Podcast, host Kito Delgado sits down with David Dussalt of P1 Industries. In our signature value-first format, Kito and David dive straight into what it takes to build, operate, and scale a thriving business right here in the Albany area. They explore the unique challenges of the modern industrial landscape, strategies for developing a highly skilled local workforce, and why the Capital Region remains a prime hub for economic growth. What you’ll learn in this episode: Local Leadership: How P1 Industries is innovating and adapting within the Capital Region's business ecosystem.Workforce Development: Actionable strategies for attracting, training, and retaining top-tier talent in competitive markets.Scaling Up: Real-world lessons learned from driving sustainable business growth in Upstate New York. Whether you're a local entrepreneur, an established business leader, or just passionate about the economic engine of the Capital Region, this packed conversation delivers actionable insights you can apply directly to your own organization. Host: Kito Delgado, Business Sales Manager Powered by: GTM HR & Payroll 🎧 Subscribe to Capital Connect so you never miss an episode featuring Upstate New York’s top business leaders! 👉 Learn more about how GTM can support your growing team 👉 Connect with David Dussalt and P1 Industries

  7. May 22

    Nick and Garrett Bernardo of Novus

    On this episode of Capital Connect, we sit down with brothers Nick and Garrett Bernardo, co-founders of Albany’s own NOVUS. What began as a college side-hustle printing tank tops for their university baseball teammates has evolved into a premier custom sportswear brand that outfits athletic programs, local businesses, and professional athletes nationwide. Nick and Garrett share the inspiring story behind their brand’s driving mantra, “Claim Your Crown,” and how living with passion, conviction, and perseverance fueled their entrepreneurial journey. Because our mission at GTM HR & Payroll is to help organizations build thriving, engaged workforces, we take a special deep dive into the internal culture at NOVUS. The brothers discuss the principles of servant leadership, how they maintain a tight-knit "family feel" while rapidly scaling their operations, and the intentional strategies they use to build a truly great place to work right here in the Capital Region. Whether you're a local business leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just a fan of community-driven success stories, tune in to discover how to empower your team to chase their dreams both on and off the field! Links & Resources: Learn more about NOVUS: novuscustom.comDiscover how GTM HR & Payroll can help elevate your workplace culture.

  8. May 21

    Andy Heck of Alpin Haus

    Welcome to another episode of Capital Connect! This week, recorded from our newly built video studio here in Clifton Park, we're diving into what it takes to cultivate a thriving, employee-first culture right here in the Capital Region. We are thrilled to sit down with Andy Heck, President and co-owner of Alpin Haus, an outdoor recreation powerhouse that has been a local staple since 1964. Andy shares the incredible story of his start in the family business—founded by his father, Bud Heck, as a single ski shop in Amsterdam, NY—and how it evolved into a massive, multi-location operation. Beyond the impressive growth, Andy reveals the specific leadership strategies, HR practices, and core values that have consistently earned Alpin Haus the title of one of the Best Places to Work in the Capital Region. Whether you are looking to elevate your company's hiring and retention strategies, or simply want to learn how a historic local business scales without losing its family feel, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. In this episode of Capital Connect, we cover: From Ski Shop to Super Center: Andy’s early exposure to the business, working his way up, and his journey to becoming President.Scaling Company Culture: The intentional systems, training playbooks, and leadership tactics Alpin Haus uses to maintain a close-knit environment across its 250+ employees and seven locations.The HR Perspective: Actionable advice on employee engagement, recognizing talent, and why prioritizing your team's well-being is the ultimate driver of business success. About Our Guest: Andy Heck is the President of Alpin Haus, a premier outdoor recreation retailer specializing in RVs, boats, skis, and pools across upstate New York and New Jersey. A Siena College graduate and dedicated community leader, Andy runs the business alongside his family, continuing a multi-generational legacy of outstanding workplace culture. LINKS & RESOURCES: Alpin HausConnect with Andy HeckConnect with Kito DelgadoLearn More about GTM Make sure to subscribe to Capital Connect so you never miss an episode, and stay tuned for more conversations with the leaders shaping our local business community!

  9. May 21

    Darrin Jahnel of The Jahnel Group

    What does it actually take to build a company culture that wins awards year after year? In this episode of Capital Connect, we sit down with Darrin Jahnel, CEO and Co-Founder of the Schenectady-based software development firm, Jahnel Group. Known throughout the Capital Region and beyond for their high-energy environment and exceptional employee retention, Jahnel Group consistently ranks as a "Best Place to Work." Darrin takes us back to the early days, sharing the origin story of how they built the company from the ground up. We dive deep into the intentional strategies, leadership philosophies, and HR practices that drive their incredible workplace culture today. Whether you are a founder scaling a startup, an HR professional looking to boost engagement, or a leader wanting to inspire your team, Darrin’s insights offer a masterclass in putting people first. What You'll Learn in This Episode:The Origin Story: How Jahnel Group started and the early challenges Darrin faced while scaling a tech firm in the Capital Region.Defining Culture: Why a "great place to work" is about more than just office perks and ping-pong tables.Hiring for Fit: The specific traits Jahnel Group looks for to protect and enhance their team dynamic.Engagement & Retention: Actionable strategies to keep high-performing talent motivated, loyal, and excited to come to work.Leadership’s Role: How founders and HR teams can partner to ensure the company's core values are actually lived out daily.Links & Resources:Learn more about Jahnel GroupConnect with Darrin Jahnel on LinkedInDiscover how GTM HR & Payroll can help elevate your workplace cultureDon't forget to subscribe to Capital Connect on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review!

  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Capital Connect, the official podcast of GTM Payroll & HR. Hosted by GTM Business Sales Manager Kito Delgado, we bridge the gap between high-level strategy and local success. Our mission is simple: to empower organizations through exceptional service and trusted advice, turning every client into an HR Hero.   Each episode features deep-dive interviews with the Capital Region’s most influential industry and business thought leaders. We go behind the scenes to "pick the brains" of those who have built successful organizations while maintaining a culture that values both high performance and work-life success.   From local entrepreneurs to industry titans, Kito explores the pivotal moments and strategies that led our guests to the top. We discuss how to empower your team, support a thriving culture, and achieve "Work-Life Success" without sacrificing results.   Whether you’re a business owner, an HR professional, or a team-minded leader, Capital Connect provides the insights you need to build a better workforce and find your own path to success. Tune in to learn how you can apply these lessons to your own organization and become the Hero your company deserves.

Information

  • Creator
    GTM
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 GTM