Capital Connect

GTM

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. 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!

    35 min
  2. 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!

    47 min

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.