LocalBizCast

Dr. Pete

Dr. Peter Wohl of The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey proudly launches the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners and influencers throughout the Pascack Valley area. Tune in every Wednesday for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community. To listen or subscribe to the channel visit @localbizcast on YouTube.

  1. 6d ago

    LocalBizCast Episode 96 with guest Will Knapp of The Room Hockey Apparel

    From Selling Solar to Building a Hockey Apparel Brand | Will Knapp of The Room Hockey Apparel What happens when you stop building someone else's dream and finally take a shot at your own? On this episode of LocalBizCast, Dr. Pete sits down with Will Knapp, founder of The Room Hockey Apparel, a Canadian-born hockey enthusiast, coach, father, and entrepreneur who turned his passion for hockey into a growing custom apparel business. And here's the twist: Just a year ago, Will was selling solar. Before that, he worked in IT. Today, he's building his own retail brand! After gaining valuable experience in the industry while working with a family member, creative differences pushed Will to reconsider his future. Then his wife asked one simple question: "You love hockey so much. What can you do with hockey?" Will was already coaching, spending time at the rink with his son, and deeply involved in hockey culture. He knew the business, understood what customers wanted, and saw an opportunity to do something different. In the summer of 2026, The Room Hockey Apparel was born! Will didn't want to simply slap a team logo on a generic sweatshirt and call it merchandise. He wanted to create apparel people would actually LOVE wearing. What if your tournament hoodie became your favorite everyday hoodie? What if your team gear looked and felt like something from a premium clothing brand? That's the philosophy behind The Room Hockey Apparel: high-quality, fully customized products at reasonable prices. And while hockey inspired the company, Will's business has already expanded far beyond the rink. Taking the entrepreneurial leap: Leaving a career to bet on yourself From IT to solar to retail: Will's unexpected journey into business ownership Turning passion into profit: How hockey inspired his brand Building something different: Why traditional team merchandise needed an upgrade Custom creativity: From logo design to completely personalized products Quality and affordability: Creating premium merchandise without premium markups Growing beyond hockey: Serving teams, businesses, tournaments, and organizations The entrepreneurial mindset: Why Will can't stop thinking about his next big idea! Today, The Room Hockey Apparel offers custom team uniforms, tournament gear, premium hoodies, T-shirts, varsity jackets, bags, sports accessories, business apparel, and more. Whether you're outfitting an entire team, creating merchandise for your business, or looking for something completely unique, Will works closely with customers to bring their ideas to life. His website even offers two distinct shopping experiences: custom apparel and custom sports gear. His goal is simple: Create something people are proud to wear and use again and again. One of the best parts of Will's story is his excitement about what's next. His sleepless nights aren't because things are going wrong. They're because his mind won't stop creating! New designs. New products. New opportunities. He's constantly coming up with ideas and writing them down, determined to build something special. The Room Hockey Apparel is still in its early stages but Will is already proving that passion, creativity, and the courage to take a chance can lead to incredible opportunities. Will Knapp took his shot. Now he's building The Room Hockey Apparel one customer, one design, and one idea at a time. 🎧 Listen now to Will's inspiring entrepreneurial journey on LocalBizCast! Know a coach, team manager, tournament organizer, or business owner looking for amazing custom merchandise? Share this episode! Don't forget to LIKE, FOLLOW, and SUBSCRIBE to LocalBizCast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms! #LocalBizCast #TheRoomHockeyApparel #WillKnapp #HockeyApparel #CustomApparel #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #HockeyLife #BusinessPodcast

  2. Oct 13

    LocalBizCast Episode 95 with guest Phil McNeil of Phils Grills

    From Ace Hardware to Grill Master: How Phil McNeil Built Phil’s Grills into a Tri-State Success Story | LocalBizCast What started with assembling grills at Ace Hardware turned into a thriving business that now takes Phil McNeil from Montauk to the Delaware Water Gap—and everywhere in between servicing and cleaning grills! On this episode of LocalBizCast, Dr. Pete sits down with Phil McNeil, founder of Phil’s Grills, to talk entrepreneurship, turning a skill into a successful business, and everything you ever wanted to know about grilling. And trust us, this guy knows grills! About five and a half years ago, during the uncertainty of COVID, Phil took a chance on himself and launched Phil’s Grills. But his story actually began years earlier, working at Ace Hardware, where he started assembling grills for customers. When customers brought broken grills back to the store, Phil became the guy responsible for figuring out how to fix them. He even shares the story of a special mentor from Weber Grills in Chicago who played an instrumental role in developing his expertise. Fast-forward to today, and Phil has built an incredible reputation as the guy who can service, repair and clean just about any grill imaginable. From inexpensive backyard grills to luxury outdoor cooking systems, Phil has seen—and fixed—it all. And he's willing to travel for it! His service area stretches across the tri-state region, including Montauk, Long Island, Asbury Park, Western New Jersey near the Delaware Water Gap, and north to Poughkeepsie, New York. But what makes this episode especially entertaining is that Phil doesn't just talk about building his business. He gives us an education in the world of grilling. Gas vs. charcoal grills: What's really the difference, and which should you choose? Pellet grills: Why have they become so popular? The Big Green Egg: What makes this style of grill different? Expensive vs. inexpensive grills: Are you actually getting what you pay for? Grill maintenance and repairs: What homeowners should know to keep their grills working properly Weber and other major brands: How different manufacturers and grill designs compare The art of troubleshooting: How Phil became an expert before online video tutorials were everywhere Building a business during COVID: How he turned years of hands-on experience into an entrepreneurial opportunity Customer service and reputation: What it takes to build a business that serves customers across such a large geographic area Phil has some interesting insight into what separates different grills, which features matter, and what people should consider before making their next purchase. You'll have to listen to hear his take! Sometimes, you just need to become exceptionally good at something people need, recognize the opportunity, and have the courage to go out on your own. Phil did exactly that. Whether you're a backyard BBQ enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, homeowner shopping for a new grill, or someone who loves hearing how ordinary people build extraordinary businesses, this episode has something for you. And fair warning: After listening, you might never look at your backyard grill the same way again! 🎧 Listen now to hear Phil McNeil's incredible journey and discover what you should really know before buying, servicing, or upgrading your next grill. And don't forget to LIKE, FOLLOW, and SUBSCRIBE to LocalBizCast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. Every follow, share, and subscription helps us shine a spotlight on the incredible entrepreneurs, business owners, and personalities who make our communities special. Local businesses. Big stories. Real people. That's LocalBizCast. #LocalBizCast #PhilsGrills #PhilMcNeil #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSuccess #Grilling #BBQ #WeberGrills #BigGreenEgg #PelletGrills #GasVsCharcoal #GrillRepair #BusinessPodcast #NewJerseyBusiness #TriStateBusiness

  3. Oct 6

    LocalBizCast Episode 94 with guest Garrett Diamond of PC Richards

    HE’S BACK! Nearly 300K Views Later… Garrett Diamond Returns to LocalBizCast—and This Time, We’re Talking MATTRESSES. When Garrett Diamond of PC Richard & Son first joined LocalBizCast, we knew he knew his stuff—but we had no idea what was about to happen. A short clip from that episode breaking down the difference between QLED vs. OLED TVs exploded on Instagram, reaching nearly 300,000 views and becoming one of our most-watched clips ever. So naturally, we had to bring Garrett back. But this time, forget the TVs. We’re taking you into the bedroom. This episode is all about something we spend nearly a third of our lives doing: SLEEPING. And if you’ve ever walked into a mattress store and wondered what the heck you're actually supposed to buy, Garrett is about to make your life a whole lot easier. From Sealy and Stearns & Foster to Tempur-Pedic and beyond, Garrett breaks down the biggest mattress brands, what actually makes them different, and what you should be looking for before spending thousands of dollars on a bed. We get into: Spring vs. foam mattresses—and who should choose which Firm vs. soft—and why firmer isn't automatically better What separates the major mattress brands How cooling technology actually works Why today's mattresses are so different from the ones we grew up sleeping on Adjustable bed frames and why they're becoming so popular What you should know before walking into a showroom How to narrow down the overwhelming number of choices and find the mattress that's actually right for you Garrett has spent decades helping customers make major purchasing decisions, and that's what makes these conversations so good. He doesn't just throw around technical terminology—he knows how to explain it in a way that actually makes sense. His TV advice already reached hundreds of thousands of people. Could mattresses be next? If you're waking up sore, sleeping hot, shopping for a new mattress, debating foam versus springs, wondering whether an adjustable base is worth it—or you just want to know what you're actually paying for when you buy a premium mattress—you need to hear this episode before you buy your next bed. 🎧 Listen now to Garrett Diamond's second appearance on LocalBizCast—the Mattress Episode. And if you caught Garrett's viral QLED vs. OLED clip, wait until you hear what he has to say this time. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe to LocalBizCast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms—and share this episode with someone who desperately needs a better night's sleep. Nearly 300K views the first time. Let's see what happens with Round 2. Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners, entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

  4. Jul 21

    LocalBizCast - Episode 93 with guests Jim Foley and Nick Dispoto of Foley Investigative Solutions.mp4

    Inside the World of Private Investigations | Former Law Enforcement Veterans Jim Foley & Nick Dispoto of Foley Investigative Solutions What really happens behind the scenes of a professional investigation? On this fascinating episode of LocalBizCast, Dr. Pete sits down with Jim Foley and Nick Dispoto, the experienced team behind Foley Investigative Solutions, to pull back the curtain on the world of modern private investigations, corporate security, and threat preparedness. This isn't Hollywood. It's real investigations, real experience, and real-world problem solving. Founder Jim Foley retired as a Sergeant after an accomplished 30-year law enforcement career, leading critical incident responses, complex investigations, and specialized operations. After retiring, he founded Foley Investigative Solutions to bring the same professionalism, integrity, and command-level investigative standards to the private sector. Joining him is Nick Dispoto, a former law enforcement officer with nine years of experience, including three years as a Detective, where he handled everything from fraud investigations to major criminal cases. Today, he brings that same analytical mindset and investigative expertise to private clients throughout the region. In this episode, we explore: What private investigators actually do (it's much more than TV portrays)Surveillance operations and how they're legally conductedBackground investigations and due diligenceAsset and property searchesMissing person investigationsFraud and field investigations Firearms trainingHow evidence is developed and cases are builtOne of the most memorable moments? Jim and Nick explain the surprising legal realities of investigations—including when investigators can legally search through someone's discarded garbage and why property boundaries and timing matter. It's one of those stories you'll never forget. But their mission extends beyond investigations. Jim and Nick are launching a series of corporate safety and preparedness seminars designed to help businesses prepare for today's realities, including: Active shooter preparednessMass casualty incident responseWorkplace safety planningEmergency protocolsSecurity awareness for employees and leadershipRather than simply reacting to crises, they believe organizations should be prepared before they happen. Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners,entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

  5. May 19

    LocalBizCast - Episode 92 with guest Jorge Urquiola author of Lessons Learned On My Commute

    How One Family Reversed the “Irreversible” | Jorge Urquiola on Autoimmune Disease, Functional Medicine & Hope This episode of LocalBizCast is one of the most emotional, inspiring, and thought-provoking conversations we’ve had to date. Dr. Pete sits down with Jorge Urquiola, author of Lessons Learned From My Commute, to discuss a story that began with fear, uncertainty, and a devastating diagnosis—and evolved into a journey of discipline, healing, faith, and transformation. Jorge grew up in West New York, NJ and spent over 30 years working for major Wall Street banks, living the fast-paced corporate life. But everything changed in 2015, when his daughter—an elite student and athlete just one year prior—was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis. The diagnosis was severe. Doctors warned the family that she was headed toward a liver transplant, and the long-term medication options came with serious potential side effects, including: LymphomaInfertilityHair lossLifelong immune suppressionJorge and his wife faced an impossible decision. They were not trying to reject conventional medicine—but they needed to understand why this was happening. They wanted to search for the root cause. That decision changed their lives forever. In this episode, Jorge opens up about: Their search for functional medicine practitionersThe role of gut health and inflammation in autoimmune diseaseEnvironmental triggers and toxic exposuresAntioxidant therapies, supplementation, and detoxificationBuilding an anti-inflammatory lifestyleMindset, discipline, habits, and surrounding yourself with the right peopleAnd then came the outcome no one expected. Just one year after beginning this integrative approach, Jorge’s daughter was completely off all medications. And six years later, she had fully reversed the cirrhosis in her liver. Let that sink in. This episode is not about rejecting medicine.It’s about asking deeper questions, taking ownership of health, and refusing to give up when the odds feel impossible. Jorge’s book, Lessons Learned From My Commute, goes far beyond illness. It’s about: Creating healthy habitsMental toughness and self-disciplineNutrition and fitnessDetoxification and mindsetBecoming intentional about the people and environments around youThis conversation will challenge the way you think about healing, resilience, and what’s possible when people are willing to fight for their family. 🎧 Listen now to hear Jorge Urquiola’s incredible story and the journey that inspired him to write Lessons Learned From My Commute, available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 👉 And if you’re enjoying LocalBizCast, please like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms so we can continue bringing you powerful stories like this one. Some stories entertain you.Others stay with you forever. Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners,entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

  6. May 5

    LocalBizCast - Episode 91 with guest Kat Arsho Baharyan of Sourdough by Kat

    From Corporate Beauty to Craft Bread | Kat Baharyan & the Rise of Sourdough by Kat This episode of LocalBizCast hits different—because it’s not just about business.It’s about purpose, family, health, and building something real from the ground up. Dr. Pete sits down with Kat Arsho Baharyan, founder of Sourdough by Kat, and her journey is as rich as the bread she bakes. Kat grew up in an Armenian household where bread was everything. But it wasn’t until later in life—after building a career in luxury beauty and marketing with brands like L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown, and Lancôme—that bread became her calling. The turning point? Her husband’s Crohn’s disease. His body couldn’t tolerate traditional bread, and instead of accepting that, Kat went to work. She researched, tested, failed, refined—and discovered that true sourdough, made the right way, is entirely different. That’s when everything changed. In this episode, Kat breaks down: Why real sourdough is not supposed to taste “sour”How ingredients, fermentation, and process completely change digestibilityThe gut health benefits of properly made sourdoughWhy mass-produced bread doesn’t even come closeThe time, precision, and patience required to do it rightThis isn’t baking. This is craft. Kat has perfected her process, but it comes with a tradeoff—time. Each loaf takes so long to produce that she’s intentionally capped on how many she can make each week. No shortcuts. No compromises. She even went through the rigorous process to become licensed to bake out of her home, passing a difficult certification to do things the right way from day one. And now, she’s building something bigger. Kat shares her vision of creating a community of “loavers”—people who care about quality, health, and connection. Her next step? A pickup window storefront, where customers can order ahead and grab fresh sourdough straight from the source. Oh—and wait until you hear about the cinnamon rolls. We even break bread live on the podcast, and yes… it’s as good as you think. If you care about: Gut health and real foodEntrepreneurship with purposeBuilding a brand from passionOr just want to understand what real bread is supposed to beThis episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Kat turned a personal challenge into a growing brand—and why Sourdough by Kat is more than just bread. 👉 And if you’re enjoying LocalBizCast, like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. This is what happens when passion meets patience—and refuses to cut corners. Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners,entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

  7. Apr 22

    LocalBizCast - Episode 90 wth guest Dr. Barry Elaahi of Align Orthodontics

    Engineering a Smile—and a Business | Dr. Barry Elaahi of Align Orthodontics This episode of LocalBizCast is where precision meets purpose. Dr. Pete sits down with Dr. Barry Elaahi, founder of Align Orthodontics, and his story is a perfect blend of engineering, dentistry, and entrepreneurial grit. Barry grew up in Rockland County, NY, the son of a dentist and an engineer—and somehow, he became both. He attended Cornell University, earning a degree in engineering while quietly completing all the prerequisites for dental school. That dual path led him to Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, where everything clicked. In his third year, he discovered orthodontics—and realized it was the perfect intersection of mechanics, biology, and aesthetics. From there, the path was set. But the real story begins after school. Barry worked as an associate across New Jersey and New York City, commuting from Rockland, even moving back in with his parents “for a few months”… which turned into years. And then—one moment changed everything. He walked into a practice in New City, NY, saw an opportunity, and asked the 80-year-old orthodontist a simple question: “Are you ready to retire?” The answer? Yes. That moment launched his journey as a business owner. In this episode, Barry breaks down: The leap from associate to owner—and everything that comes with itHiring, building, and leading a high-level teamThe ups and downs of growing a practice organicallyHow his success in Rockland led to opening a brand new, custom-built office in Montvale, NJDesigning a practice from scratch—layout, workflow, patient experience, even paint colorsBut this conversation goes deeper than business. Barry explains how orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth—it’s about: FunctionConfidenceLong-term healthHe treats patients from age 7 to 70, tailoring care to each individual, and even dives into his residency thesis, where he began exploring how orthodontics can play a role in helping patients with sleep apnea. This is next-level thinking. If you’re into: Entrepreneurship in healthcareBuilding a business from nothingPrecision-driven work and systems thinkingOr understanding how orthodontics can impact your life beyond aesthetics…this episode is packed with value. 🎧 Listen now to hear Dr. Barry Elaahi’s journey—from engineering student to orthodontist to business owner—and how he’s building something special with Align Orthodontics. 👉 And if you’re enjoying LocalBizCast, like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. This is what happens when skill meets opportunity—and someone is bold enough to ask the right question at the right time. Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners,entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

  8. Apr 21

    LocalBizCast - Episode 89 with guest Andy Landsman of Sun Run Solar

    The Energy Shift Is Here | From Actor to Solar Expert with Andy Landsman (@solarandy4gs) This episode of LocalBizCast feels like a wake-up call. Dr. Pete sits down with Andy Landsman, better known as @solarandy4gs, and what starts as a story about career pivots quickly turns into a powerful conversation about the future of energy, the reality of our grid, and why solar is no longer optional—it’s inevitable. Andy didn’t start in solar. He was out in California chasing the acting dream, then made his way back east to the Catskills, where he worked in brewery sales and learned the fundamentals of communication, trust, and understanding people. When he eventually landed in Nanuet and now Englewood, he had a choice:Two industries he believed were about to explode—cannabis or solar. He chose solar… and hasn’t looked back. In this episode, Andy breaks down: How he landed his first job in solar (and why he’s still there)What most people don’t understand about the energy industryWhy he believes we are already in an energy crisis due to an aging gridThe real reasons homeowners hesitate—and how to think through themHow solar can lower costs while increasing independenceWhy solar adoption is not “if”… it’s whenAnd one of the biggest differentiators he explains: With Sunrun, homeowners don’t need to take on massive upfront costs. No buying the system outrightNo worrying about maintenance or repairsFully serviced and supported over timeThat model flips the biggest objections on their head and makes solar far more accessible than most people realize. Andy’s approach is simple. Educate first. No pressure. Help people make the right decision for their home, their finances, and their future. Whether you want: A full solar roofA partial systemOr just to understand your options without being sold…Andy meets you where you are. And he leaves you with a line you won’t forget: “In the next 5–10 years, your roof will be solar… whether you do it, or the next owner does.” If you care about: Saving money on energyUnderstanding where the grid is headedMaking smart long-term home decisions4G's (Go Green, Get Green)Or just hearing a real, unfiltered perspective on solarThis episode delivers. 🎧 Listen now to hear Andy’s story and why the energy conversation is changing faster than most people think. 👉 Follow Andy on Instagram: @solarandy4gs 👉 And if you’re enjoying LocalBizCast, like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. The future isn’t coming. It’s already here. Local Biz Cast Weekly Spotlight on Business Leaders Dr. Pete Wohl of The Spine and Health Centers of New Jersey proudly presents the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners, entrepreneurs and influencers throughout the area. Tune in every week for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community.

About

Dr. Peter Wohl of The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey proudly launches the LocalBizCast, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with prominent business owners and influencers throughout the Pascack Valley area. Tune in every Wednesday for new insights, stories, and success strategies from local entrepreneurs making an impact in the community. To listen or subscribe to the channel visit @localbizcast on YouTube.