Buying Local Podcast

Michael Nelson
  • 4.0 (4)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Buying Local is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the small businesses, local food markets, and makers that make Saratoga, Warren, and Washington County shine. Hosted by Mike Nelson, each episode uncovers the fantastic goods, services, and stories hidden in your very own community. We’re here to support local economies—and spotlight the people behind the products and companies you love. Buying Local Podcast is powered by Five Towers Media.

  1. 4D AGO

    How Sean Palladino Turns Creativity into Community Impact | Buying Local #63

    In this episode of Buying Local, host Matt Knoth sits down with Sean Palladino, Writer and Councilperson-Elect, to talk about storytelling, spotlighting small businesses, and what it’s like capturing the heartbeat of the Glens Falls community through writing. Sean also opens up about mental health, public service, and why getting involved locally can truly change everything. You can find Sean at seanpalladino.com or follow him on Instagram and Facebook @seanpalladino. 0:00 Introduction to Sean Palladino and his work 1:15 Moving to the area and building a new life in Glens Falls 2:30 Running clubs, civil service work, and finding direction 3:50 Sean’s writing style and process 4:35 Researching businesses and capturing their history 5:55 How Ridge Street and Glens Falls have changed over time 6:30 Arcade Archeology and the power of enthusiasm 8:05 ADHD, detail, and writing in a way that immerses readers 10:00 A behind-the-scenes writing experience at Stinky’s Coffee 11:55 Short films and creative projects outside writing 13:35 Realizing he’s been practicing storytelling his whole life 14:50 Childhood writing, imagination, and creative influence 17:35 Journaling, mental health, and working through struggles 18:55 Sean opens up about his mental health crisis and recovery 20:45 Why he ran for public office (and how easy it started) 23:15 Transparency, council summaries, and public trust 26:05 Feeder Canal cleanup and improving public spaces 28:30 Final takeaway: why democracy requires participation 31:40 Where to find Sean and his work

    34 min

  2. JAN 27

    Mortgages Without the Stress with Ohad Oren | Buying Local #62

    In this episode of Buying Local, host Matt Knoth sits down with Ohad Oren, Licensed Loan Consultant at loanDepot, to break down what actually goes into getting approved for a mortgage without the jargon or pressure. Ohad shares how education, trust, and long-term relationships help buyers navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives with confidence. Connect with Ohad Oren through loanDepot at loandepot.com/loan-officers/ooren, or reach out to him directly on LinkedIn. 0:00 Welcome to Buying Local & introduction to Ohad Oren 2:10 Ohad’s early career: engineering, computer science, and finance 4:45 Life in auto finance and the grind of dealership hours 6:20 Transitioning into mortgages and finding balance 8:05 Customer vs. client: how mortgage relationships really work 10:15 Why real estate agents and lenders must operate in lockstep 12:05 Licensing, regulation, and why mortgage rules matter 14:30 The emotional side of buying a home 16:10 Why “closing fast” isn’t always the buyer’s priority 18:05 Simplifying complex mortgage options for clients 20:10 Expecting surprises in every real estate transaction 22:00 Referral networks and relationship-driven business 23:55 What pre-approval really looks like behind the scenes 26:05 Down payments vs. affordability reality checks 28:20 Understanding closing costs and where the money goes 30:45 How mortgage banks actually make money 33:10 Preparing years in advance for homeownership 36:20 Setting realistic expectations for first-time buyers 39:30 Long-term value of trust and education 42:45 Final thoughts and advice for local homebuyers

    48 min

  3. JAN 19

    How Downtown Dogs Is Redefining Local Pet Care | Buying Local #61

    In this episode of Buying Local, host Matt Knoth sits down with Alisha Stosic, owner of Downtown Dogs Spa & Boutique, to talk about leaving the corporate world, opening a dog-focused business in downtown Glens Falls, and helping revitalize South Street. They discuss the challenges of starting out, the importance of community, and how pets can bring people together in powerful ways. You can find Alicia and Downtown Dogs Spa & Boutique online at downtowndogsspaandboutique.com or by following them on Facebook and Instagram.  0:00 Welcome to Buying Local & introduction of Alicia 0:43 Revitalizing South Street and choosing downtown Glens Falls 1:30 Opening timeline and leaving corporate life 2:15 Why grooming + boutique was the right fit 2:53 What makes the boutique unique 4:27 Shipping products nationwide 5:02 Personal background and early inspiration 5:59 South Street’s transformation and future growth 7:27 Early challenges and building out the space 8:13 Grooming services and specialty offerings 9:53 Community involvement and long-term goals 10:47 Pet loss support group and advocacy work 12:05 Creating a calm, welcoming space for all dogs 14:18 Events, collaborations, and fun community ideas 15:06 Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs 16:24 How to find and follow Downtown Dogs

    17 min

  4. JAN 9

    Scaling Real Estate the Smart Way with Brian Green | Buying Local S3E60

    In this new episode of the Buying Local podcast, Mike sits down with Brian Green, founder of Green Springs Companies, to break down how a single-property investment evolved into a vertically integrated real estate operation spanning development, property management, construction, and financial advisory. Tune in as they delve into scaling strategies, market pivots, calculated risk, and how a long-term vision drives sustainable growth. You can find this week’s guest, Brian Green, at greenspringscapitalgroup.com or by emailing brian@greenspringsco.com. 0:00 Welcome to Buying Local & introduction to Brian Green 1:00 What Green Springs Companies actually does 2:30 Starting as a solo real estate investor 4:00 When doing everything yourself stops working 5:50 Why scaling bigger deals makes more sense 7:20 Holding vs selling properties long-term 8:45 Condo conversions and creative exits 11:00 The importance of systems and process 12:45 The four companies inside Green Springs 15:45 Vertical integration as a growth strategy 18:10 Turning asset-heavy businesses into cash flow 20:40 Adapting to market slowdowns 22:35 Learning through persistence and problem-solving 24:30 Entrepreneurship, responsibility, and risk 26:55 Supply shortages and the housing market 29:25 Reading local markets correctly 31:00 The $200M assets-under-management goal 33:25 Why Green Springs works with private investors

    36 min

  5. JAN 6

    Three Businesses, One Vision for Custom Design | Buying Local S3E59

    In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Michelle and Tim Schultz to talk about their journey from corporate careers to building a multi-service home design business in the Capital Region. They discuss custom window treatments, interior design, windows and doors, and the launch of their new Glen Street showroom focused on high-touch local service. Discover Tim and Michelle’s home design endeavors at the links below or email Tim directly at tschultz@gotchacovered.com. Window Depot Adirondacks: windowdepotadirondacks.com Designs on Glen: designsonglen.com Gotcha Covered: gotchacovered.com/saratoga/ 0:00 Welcome to Buying Local & guest introductions 1:10 Leaving corporate careers to start a local business 1:55 Got You Covered Saratoga explained 2:45 Why interior design services were the next step 3:30 Adding Window Depot of the Adirondacks 4:10 Why opening a showroom became necessary 5:05 What clients will experience inside the new showroom 7:30 Installation, partnerships, and local contractors 9:10 Why franchising made sense for their business 10:15 Michelle’s interior design background and passion 11:45 The client consultation and design process 14:55 Challenges of running three connected businesses 17:40 Ideal residential and commercial clients 22:20 Modern awnings, power screens, and outdoor living 25:00 Where to find the showroom and how to get in touch

    27 min

  6. JAN 2

    Building Community Through Sales with Matthew Knoth | Buying Local S3E58

    In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Matthew Knoth to talk about his journey into sales, networking in the Capital Region, and what it really means to build relationships in a local business community. Matthew also shares his experience stepping into the fire, learning through rejection, and preparing to take on a bigger role with the Buying Local podcast. You can connect with Matthew by emailing him at matthew@fivetowers.us or by scheduling a meeting with him on Calendly through Five Towers Media. 0:00 Welcome to Buying Local and introduction of Matthew Knoth 1:00 Matthew’s background and first impressions of the local community 2:00 Growing up in New Hartford and finding his way to the Capital Region 3:50 College experience, lacrosse, and studying business 5:20 Joining Five Towers Media and stepping into sales 6:45 Learning by doing: pitches, meetings, and networking 8:15 Why Matthew chose sales as a career path 10:10 Breaking the stigma around sales and helping businesses the right way 12:15 “Go for No” mindset and building conceptual strength 14:30 Experiences with local chambers and networking events 16:55 Stepping outside your comfort zone at networking events 18:20 Cold calling, rejection, and building resilience 20:45 Managing clients, time, and expectations in sales 23:55 Balancing relationships and responsibility in client work 26:20 Matthew joining Buying Local as a future host 28:55 Upcoming interviews and community spotlights 32:00 Looking ahead to 2026 and growing within the community 33:20 How to contact Matthew Knoth and get involved

    35 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    Wilderness Survival and Indigenous Education with James Bruchac | Buying Local S3E57

    In this episode, host Mike Nelson sits down with James Bruchac at the Ndakinna Education Center to explore his rich background in indigenous storytelling, animal tracking, and wilderness survival skills. James shares thrilling stories from tracking grizzlies in Yellowstone, his family's Abenaki heritage, and practical tips for upcoming winter courses on fire making, tracking, and navigation. Find out more about James Bruchac's classes, programs, and the Ndakinna Education Center at ndakinnacenter.org or follow them on social media by searching Ndakinna. 0:00 Intro and welcome at Ndakinna Education Center 2:00 Overview of Ndakinna programs: survival, martial arts, storytelling 4:00 James Bruchac's family background and West Africa ties 7:30 Teenage influences: John Stokes, tracking, primitive skills 10:00 Teaching survival, storytelling, and Dr. James Halfpenny connection 11:30 Yellowstone grizzly tracking and taking daughter Ava 15:00 Camera trapping and adventures with Zach Clothier 18:00 Bear safety: black bears vs. grizzlies 21:00 How survival skills change everyday nature perspective 23:00 Jiu-jitsu program growth and new Alliance Center 26:00 Return of Sunday Survival Series classes 27:30 Upcoming Fire Making class details (January 25th) 30:00 Importance of navigation skills and getting lost 32:00 Tracking class details (February 22nd) and plaster casts 35:00 Class format: classroom + field work in winter 37:30 Jiu-jitsu competitions and student Kyle shoutout 40:00 Where to sign up and learn more 41:30 Wrap-up and thanks

    43 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    Reducing Injuries Through Ergonomics with Catamount Consulting | Buying Local S3E56

    In this episode of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson talks with Alicia Turner from Catamount Consulting about their proactive ergonomics services, exploring how the company uses science, technology, and education to prevent workplace injuries in blue-collar and other industries. They dive into topics like the COPE framework, custom stretch-and-flex programs, breathwork, quantifying fatigue risk, and the real ROI of investing in employee wellness. Learn more about Alicia Turner and Catamount Consulting at catamountconsultingllc.com or on their social media channels. 0:00 Welcome to Alicia Turner from Catamount Consulting 0:46 Overview of Catamount Consulting’s services 2:46 Discussion on primary industries served and expansion beyond blue-collar 4:57 Defining ergonomics 6:29 Introduction to the COPE framework 8:31 Alicia’s background and journey into ergonomics as a physical therapist 11:13 How Catamount brings ergonomics to clients proactively 12:26 Using AI-powered tools and the proprietary Catamount Fatigue Index for assessments 15:36 Importance of education and the “why” behind ergonomic interventions 17:10 Deep dive into stretch-and-flex programs 19:40 Timing and frequency of stretch-and-flex 23:42 Challenges of proactive adoption and hidden pain in the workforce 27:58 Collaborating with frontline workers for practical solutions 31:20 ROI of ergonomics programs and cost of musculoskeletal injuries 33:16 Direct vs. indirect costs and real-world examples of program impact 37:23 Incorporating breathwork into ergonomics and overcoming the “woo” perception 41:41 Diaphragmatic breathing, posture, and the dangers of accessory muscle breathing 44:34 Productivity gains and foundational breathing corrections 46:29 Where to find Catamount Consulting 46:54 Closing remarks

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Buying Local is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the small businesses, local food markets, and makers that make Saratoga, Warren, and Washington County shine. Hosted by Mike Nelson, each episode uncovers the fantastic goods, services, and stories hidden in your very own community. We’re here to support local economies—and spotlight the people behind the products and companies you love. Buying Local Podcast is powered by Five Towers Media.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Nelson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michael Nelson
  • Show Website
    Buying Local Podcast