Light Up The Buffalo Economy

Lighthouse Technology Services

Host and Lighthouse CEO Randy Harris leads the conversation with Western New York business leaders about how they're achieving their potential. Learn how these businesses are empowering teams and growing the local economy through technology adoption, talent attraction and retention, and strategic growth.

Episodes

  1. 09/25/2025

    Designing Workspaces and Cities People Love with Kyle Ciminelli

    In this episode of Light Up the Buffalo Economy, Lighthouse CEO Randy Harris interviews Kyle Ciminelli. As President of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation and Newmark Ciminelli, Kyle brings a wide-ranging perspective on the real estate market and how businesses can most effectively use the office space they hold. Randy and Kyle discuss their “Buffalo Boomerang” stories and the importance of family and the appeal of Buffalo as a great place to raise a family. The conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of real estate development, particularly in making the most of available space to build a better downtown Buffalo. Randy and Kyle also explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work habits, the shift of businesses settling into hybrid work policies, and the need for vibrant, flexible office spaces. Through it all, they show the importance of community and corporate collaboration in fostering Buffalo's economic and regional growth. -- 0:00 – Show Intro 0:31 – The “Buffalo Boomerang” stories 3:46 – Looking at the future of Buffalo real estate 6:34 – How uncertainty impacts work 9:52 – The “flight to quality” in commercial real estate 14:20 – Building flexible offices for four seasons 17:11 – How can we fill Main Street downtown 24:05 – Suburban real estate and business success 26:35 – Spotlighting Buffalo’s “unsung hero” businesses 29:12 – Hybrid work and the year of the mandate 34:07 – Designing future-ready offices 38:59 – Trends to watch in WNY -- Connect with Randy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyharrisonline/ Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-ciminelli/ Learn more about Lighthouse Technology Services, The Place for Technology Talent: https://www.lhtservices.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighthouse-technology-services/ Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/lhtservices

  2. 07/09/2025

    Balancing Technology Innovation and Business Basics with Michael Ulbrich

    On our second episode, Lighthouse CEO Randy Harris is joined by business owner and EOS Implementer Michael Ulbrich for a wide-ranging discussion on what the future of business leadership in Buffalo looks like. Throughout the talk, they advocate for identifying root issues, being open to new ways of optimizing, business processes, and creating slack to manage unforeseen challenges. Randy and Michael’s discussion also highlights the significance of aligning with like-minded individuals and legacy businesses adapting to changing markets. Practical advice on maintaining a balance between structure and organic growth is shared, fostering a sustainable and profitable business environment. -- 0:00 – Introduction of business challenges around tech and AI 1:47 – Identifying the problem before the solution 3:57 – Operating within your core focus 7:44 – Navigating a change in business leadership 13:11 – Equipping the next generation of business leaders 17:13 – Keeping up with the pace of change 22:27 – Innovation doesn’t always mean new 26:13 – Leading through change from first principles 33:18 – 10x vs. 2x thinking around economic growth regionally 38:32 – Learning the tools of effective leadership 46:45 – What happens when you have to adapt the plan? 56:19 – Creating slack in work and life -- Connect with Randy on LinkedIn. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn. Learn more about Lighthouse Technology Services, The Place for Technology Talent, on our website. Follow Lighthouse on LinkedIn. Follow Lighthouse on Instagram.

  3. 03/17/2025

    Technology Strategy as a Path to Innovation with Steve White

    This episode delves into the experiences and insights of small to mid-sized business owners navigating through technological transformation. Lighthouse CEO Randy Harris welcomes Steve White, Senior Director of Operations at Roofstock and former CEO of RentPrep, for our inaugural episode! How does technology help a business find operational efficiency? How do you find the right balance and keep the "human in the loop" while integrating technology and AI into your business? Randy and Steve talk about the importance of bringing team members to the table as you ideate and implement new technologies, while highlighting the vital role of attention to detail and the psychology of change management in achieving business success. The episode aims to provide actionable insights for companies looking to adapt to rapid technological changes and develop a coherent tech strategy. -- 0:00 - Show Introduction 3:45 - Steve's Entrepreneurial Journey 8:25 - Navigating Economic Challenges 12:28 - How Technology Helps Businesses Grow and Evolve 21:12 - Balancing Technology and Human Touch 27:57 - Embedding Technology Strategy as a Small Business 33:10 - Connecting New Tech to Business Processes 38:20 - Encouraging Innovation Within Teams 49:00 - Developing a Technology Strategy -- Learn more about Lighthouse Technology Services, The Place for Technology Talent. Follow us on LinkedIn. Follow us on Instagram.

  • 3 Episodes

About

Host and Lighthouse CEO Randy Harris leads the conversation with Western New York business leaders about how they're achieving their potential. Learn how these businesses are empowering teams and growing the local economy through technology adoption, talent attraction and retention, and strategic growth.

Information

  • Creator
    Lighthouse Technology Services
  • Years Active
    2025
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Lighthouse Technology Services
  • Show Website
    Light Up The Buffalo Economy