Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store

Joseph Slichko
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Business

Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store takes you behind the counter of a real small business run by two parents raising four kids while building their dream. Each episode shares honest weekly wins, failures, lessons, and the beautiful chaos of running Fort Orange General Store—from inventory challenges to bedtime routines, customer stories to relationship balancing acts. If you’re a small business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, a parent juggling too much, or someone who loves authentic conversations about work and life blending together, this show is for you. Expect candid storytelling, practical takeaways, and a real look at what it takes to build a business without losing yourself—or your sense of humor—along the way. Topics listeners come here for: • Small business challenges & victories • Balancing entrepreneurship and family life • Marriage + business partnership dynamics • Work-life integration (and when it falls apart) • Behind-the-scenes of Fort Orange General Store • Real stories from real small business owners New episodes every week. Honest. Relatable. Sometimes chaotic. Always real. Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW Fort Orange General Store: https://www.fortorangegeneralstore.com/ Podcast: https://www.fortorangegeneralstore.com/podcast

  1. 5d ago

    17: What Happens When a Community Believes? Inside Albany's First SoBro First Friday

    We love to hear from our listeners! Click HERE to send us a text! (Mobile Devices Only) What happens when a simple idea grows into something bigger than you ever imagined? In Episode 17 of Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store, we're taking you behind the scenes of the inaugural SoBro First Friday Block Party—a night that proved the future of Downtown Albany is being built one conversation, one collaboration, and one community gathering at a time. After weeks of planning, dreaming, and wondering whether anyone would actually show up, the answer became clear: Albany showed up. This episode captures the excitement, nerves, surprises, and overwhelming gratitude surrounding the very first SoBro First Friday event. From live music and local vendors to packed sidewalks, new friendships, and unforgettable customer interactions, we're sharing what it felt like to watch a community vision come to life in real time. In this episode, we discuss:  The story behind launching the first-ever SoBro First Friday Block Party  Building a stronger small business community in Downtown Albany  The power of collaboration between local businesses  Why authentic community experiences matter more than ever  The challenges and rewards of organizing grassroots events  How local support continues to shape the future of Fort Orange General Store We also highlight some of the incredible people who made the evening so special, including:  Rich from Common Roots Brewing Company  Musician Carolyn Shapiro and her unforgettable live performance  Erin and Alex from Pink Girl Cookie and their incredible custom SoBro cookies  Angela from Third Eye Concepts and 518 Prime Shots  Teresa Campbell and the growing conversation around Albany's future  Jamie, one of Maisie's biggest fans, and the many supporters who continue to spread the word about Fort Orange General Store and SoBro Throughout the night, something became increasingly clear: people are looking for connection. They're looking for places where they can gather, support local businesses, meet their neighbors, discover new ideas, and feel part of something meaningful. For us, SoBro has never been just about a business district. It's about creating a sense of belonging and helping showcase the incredible people, businesses, artists, musicians, makers, and entrepreneurs who call Albany home. This episode is a celebration of everyone who came out, every business that participated, and every person who continues to believe in the future of Albany. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, community builder, Albany resident, or someone who loves stories about people coming together to create positive change, this episode is filled with inspiration, gratitude, and a reminder that great things happen when communities invest in one another. Because at the end of the day, without community, we don't have anything. Keywords:  small business podcast, Albany NY, Downtown Albany, SoBro Albany, South Broadway Albany, First Friday Albany, Albany events, entrepreneurship podcast, community building, local business collaboration, Fort Orange General Store, shop local Albany, Capital Region New York, small business owner, Albany small business, community revitalization, local events Albany, Common Roots Brewing, live music Albany, local business podcast, downtown revitalization, grassroots community movement   If you believe in supporting local businesses, building stronger communities, and creating meaningful connections, please follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who loves seeing good things happen in Albany and beyond.  Support the show Thanks for listening to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Every follow, share, and review helps support a growing independent podcast and small business. 📍 Visit us in person: Fort Orange General Store – Downtown Albany, NY 🛍️ Shop online: fortorangegeneralstore.com 📲 Follow along on social: Instagram: @fortorangegeneralstore 💬 Join the conversation: Have a question, topic idea, or small business story you’d like us to cover? Send us a message or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you. 🎙️ New episodes drop weekly, sharing honest conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and the beautiful chaos of building a life and business together. Until next time—thanks for supporting small business, community, and real stories. Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW

    35 min

  2. Jun 3

    16: SoBro Is Officially Here: Community Building, Local Business Growth & a New Shop Dog

    We love to hear from our listeners! Click HERE to send us a text! (Mobile Devices Only) What happens when a simple idea starts turning into a community movement? In Episode 16 of Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store, we’re sharing one of the most exciting and unexpected chapters of our small business journey yet. Over the past two weeks, a grassroots effort to bring together local businesses on South Broadway has evolved into something much bigger. What started as a hashtag and a few conversations between neighboring business owners has officially become SoBro (South Broadway Albany)—and the momentum is growing. This episode takes you behind the scenes of:  Erica's appearance on News10 ABC Albany to discuss the growing SoBro district  How local businesses are collaborating to build community and drive foot traffic  The launch of our first coordinated SoBro First Friday event  The challenges and opportunities of creating a neighborhood business identity from the ground up  Why community-driven growth continues to be the secret ingredient behind Fort Orange General Store's success We also dive into one of the biggest questions facing local business districts: How can independently owned businesses work together to create loyalty and rewards programs that benefit an entire neighborhood? If you're an entrepreneur, retailer, restaurant owner, or community builder, you'll want to hear this conversation as we brainstorm ways to create a more connected and supportive local economy. But that's not the only major life update... In true Small Business, Big Life fashion, a routine scroll through Facebook turned into another life-changing decision when we unexpectedly welcomed Masie, a new German Shorthaired Pointer puppy, into our family. In this episode, you'll also hear:  The story behind how Masie found her way to us  Why some of the biggest decisions in life don't always happen according to plan  What it's like introducing a new puppy to the Fort Orange General Store family  How our customers immediately fell in love with Albany's newest shop dog-in-training  The surprisingly strong connection between entrepreneurship, family, and embracing the unexpected From local news appearances and community-building initiatives to new business ideas and puppy chaos, Episode 16 perfectly captures what Small Business, Big Life is all about: building something meaningful while navigating the beautiful unpredictability of family, business, and community. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, downtown Albany supporter, dog lover, or someone who simply enjoys authentic conversations about chasing big dreams, this episode is packed with stories, lessons, and plenty of laughs. Keywords:  small business podcast, Albany NY, downtown Albany, South Broadway Albany, SoBro Albany, entrepreneurship podcast, local business collaboration, community building, News10 Albany, small business owner, retail business podcast, Fort Orange General Store, Albany events, First Friday Albany, shop local Albany, German Shorthaired Pointer, shop dog, family business, entrepreneur life, Capital Region New York, Albany small business, community revitalization, local business growth   If you enjoy authentic conversations about entrepreneurship, family life, community building, and the realities of running a small business, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who believes in supporting local businesses and building stronger communities.  Support the show Thanks for listening to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Every follow, share, and review helps support a growing independent podcast and small business. 📍 Visit us in person: Fort Orange General Store – Downtown Albany, NY 🛍️ Shop online: fortorangegeneralstore.com 📲 Follow along on social: Instagram: @fortorangegeneralstore 💬 Join the conversation: Have a question, topic idea, or small business story you’d like us to cover? Send us a message or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you. 🎙️ New episodes drop weekly, sharing honest conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and the beautiful chaos of building a life and business together. Until next time—thanks for supporting small business, community, and real stories. Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW

    42 min

  3. May 20

    15: 518 Day Recap, Nipper Takes Over Albany & The Community Energy Reviving Downtown

    We love to hear from our listeners! Click HERE to send us a text! (Mobile Devices Only) What happens when an entire city rallies around local businesses, community pride, and Albany’s most iconic dog? In Episode 15 of Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store, we’re recapping one of the most exciting weekends we’ve ever experienced as small business owners: 518 Day in Downtown Albany. From organizing the SoBro race team to unveiling a surprise Nipper mascot costume, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, entrepreneurship lessons, hilarious moments, and the overwhelming sense of community that made this year’s inaugural 518 Day unforgettable. We also share:  The reality of preparing for a major downtown event as small business owners  How our custom SoBro race shirts came together at the last second  What it was like bringing “Nipper” to life during the 5.18K race 🐶  The incredible reactions from Albany locals and Capital Region visitors  Why community collaboration is helping reshape downtown Albany Plus, we dive into:  A recap of a record-breaking Mother’s Day weekend at Fort Orange General Store  The launch and response to our new Olde Albany Apothecary products  Stories from podcast listeners and superfans who traveled to visit the store  The growing momentum behind the SoBro neighborhood movement One of the biggest takeaways from this episode?  The ideas you dream about as a small business owner don’t happen overnight—but when the right opportunity comes along, community support can turn those ideas into something much bigger than you imagined. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, Albany local, runner, creator, or someone who just loves hearing authentic behind-the-scenes stories about small business life, this episode captures the energy, chaos, and joy of building something meaningful alongside your community. Keywords: small business podcast, Albany NY, 518 Day, downtown Albany, Nipper Albany, Fort Orange General Store, entrepreneurship podcast, small business owners, community building, Capital Region events, Albany running community, SoBro Albany, local business collaboration, retail business podcast, shop local Albany, Mother’s Day shopping, Albany events 2026, Albany small business  If you love community stories, entrepreneurship, and behind-the-scenes small business life, make sure to follow, rate, and share this episode with someone who believes in supporting local 💛  Support the show Thanks for listening to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Every follow, share, and review helps support a growing independent podcast and small business. 📍 Visit us in person: Fort Orange General Store – Downtown Albany, NY 🛍️ Shop online: fortorangegeneralstore.com 📲 Follow along on social: Instagram: @fortorangegeneralstore 💬 Join the conversation: Have a question, topic idea, or small business story you’d like us to cover? Send us a message or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you. 🎙️ New episodes drop weekly, sharing honest conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and the beautiful chaos of building a life and business together. Until next time—thanks for supporting small business, community, and real stories. Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW

    36 min

  4. May 6

    14: From Local Shop to News Feature: Nipper, 518 Day & The Energy in Downtown Albany Right Now

    We love to hear from our listeners! Click HERE to send us a text! (Mobile Devices Only) What happens when a small business gets unexpected media attention—and the entire community shows up because of it? In Episode 14 of Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store, we’re sharing the wild, exciting, and honestly surreal week where our store was featured by the Associated Press… and everything changed overnight. From a surprise in-store interview about Albany’s iconic Nipper the Dog to a surge in customers, online orders, and community support, this episode captures the real impact of visibility, storytelling, and local pride. We take you behind the scenes of:  Getting interviewed on camera (with zero warning 😅)  The ripple effect of press coverage on a small retail business  The surge in Nipper merchandise sales after the feature  Meeting unforgettable new customers (including one ultimate superfan)  The power of authentic community connection in downtown Albany But that’s just the beginning… We also dive into the growing energy around South Broadway (SoBro) and what feels like a turning point moment for downtown Albany. From packed First Fridays to new collaborations between small businesses, there’s something happening—and you can feel it. In this episode, we also talk about:  The launch of our SoBro 518 Day race team Local business collaborations shaping the future of Albany  A sneak peek at upcoming events and pop-ups  Why community-driven growth matters more than ever Plus, we highlight some of the incredible people who make this journey possible—our superfans, supporters, and local partners who continue to show up for us in the most meaningful ways. This episode is about more than just a news feature.  It’s about momentum. Energy. And what happens when a community starts to believe in itself again. If you love real small business stories, community energy, and behind-the-scenes moments—follow, rate, and share this episode with someone who believes in shopping local 💛  Keywords: small business podcast, Albany NY, downtown Albany, Nipper dog Albany, Associated Press feature, local business story, entrepreneurship podcast, retail business owner, small business marketing, community building, 518 Day Albany, Capital Region events, South Broadway Albany, SoBro Albany, Fort Orange General Store, shop local Albany, First Friday Albany  Support the show Thanks for listening to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Every follow, share, and review helps support a growing independent podcast and small business. 📍 Visit us in person: Fort Orange General Store – Downtown Albany, NY 🛍️ Shop online: fortorangegeneralstore.com 📲 Follow along on social: Instagram: @fortorangegeneralstore 💬 Join the conversation: Have a question, topic idea, or small business story you’d like us to cover? Send us a message or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you. 🎙️ New episodes drop weekly, sharing honest conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and the beautiful chaos of building a life and business together. Until next time—thanks for supporting small business, community, and real stories. Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW

    27 min

  5. Apr 29

    13: 518 Day, Downtown Albany Revival & The Reality of Running a Small Business (With Kids, Chaos & Community

    We love to hear from our listeners! Click HERE to send us a text! (Mobile Devices Only) What does it really look like to run a small business, raise a family, and help rebuild a downtown community—all at the same time? In Episode 13 of Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store, we’re taking you inside one of our busiest (and most meaningful) weeks yet. From planning Albany’s first-ever 518 Day celebration to launching new products and Mother’s Day gift baskets, this episode is packed with real-life moments, behind-the-scenes business insight, and the community connections that make it all worth it. We also share:  Listener stories and heartfelt reactions to our Nipper episode 🐶  A hilarious (and slightly traumatic) childhood duck story 🦆  The reality of juggling entrepreneurship with kids’ sports schedules ⚾  What it takes to bring new energy back to downtown Albany The story behind our new Old Albany apothecary collectionPlus, we break down everything you need to know about the upcoming 518 Day event, including:  The 5.18K race  Downtown events, vendors, and live music  Local collaborations shaping the future of Albany This episode is a reminder that small business isn’t just about selling products—it’s about building community, creating memories, and showing up (even when life gets chaotic). If you love real, unfiltered small business stories—make sure to follow, rate, and share this episode with someone who supports local 💛 Keywords:  small business podcast, Albany NY, downtown Albany, 518 Day, Capital Region events, entrepreneurship podcast, family business, retail business owner, small business life, Fort Orange General Store, local business stories, community building, Mother’s Day gifts, apothecary products, handmade products, Albany events 2026  Support the show Thanks for listening to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Every follow, share, and review helps support a growing independent podcast and small business. 📍 Visit us in person: Fort Orange General Store – Downtown Albany, NY 🛍️ Shop online: fortorangegeneralstore.com 📲 Follow along on social: Instagram: @fortorangegeneralstore 💬 Join the conversation: Have a question, topic idea, or small business story you’d like us to cover? Send us a message or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you. 🎙️ New episodes drop weekly, sharing honest conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and the beautiful chaos of building a life and business together. Until next time—thanks for supporting small business, community, and real stories. Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW

    28 min

  6. Apr 22

    12: Who Is Nipper? The Story Behind Albany’s Icon and the Dog That Became Part of Our Business

    We love to hear from our listeners! Click HERE to send us a text! (Mobile Devices Only) In this episode of Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store, Joe Slichko and Erica Cubello talk about one of the most recognizable—and most frequently asked about—symbols in Albany: Nipper. If you’ve ever visited Fort Orange General Store, you’ve likely seen the iconic dog featured throughout the shop. And if you’re from out of town, you’ve probably asked the same question they hear almost every day: “Who is that dog?” Joe and Erica start with the story they often share with customers—explaining Nipper’s connection to RCA, the famous image of the dog listening to a phonograph, and how a massive statue of him still sits on a building in Downtown Albany today. From there, they dive deeper into the history of Nipper, exploring where he came from, how he became a global advertising icon, and why he continues to hold such a strong connection to Albany across generations. They discuss:  The origins of Nipper and the “His Master’s Voice” image  How RCA helped turn Nipper into a worldwide symbol  The history of the Nipper statue in Albany  Local traditions and public art installations  Why certain symbols become deeply tied to a city’s identity But the episode doesn’t stop with history. It shifts into something more personal. Joe and Erica share how Nipper’s presence in their store has shaped customer experience—and how, over time, their own dog Rue has become a beloved part of Fort Orange General Store. From greeting customers at the door to becoming a familiar face for regulars (and even inspiring her own merchandise), Rue has taken on a role they never planned—but now couldn’t imagine the store without. They reflect on:  How customers connect with Rue in unexpected ways  The role of personality in a retail space  How something small can become part of a brand’s identity  The way business and family life naturally blend together At its core, this episode is about more than a famous dog. It’s about connection—between people, places, and the stories that bring them together. Because sometimes what people remember most about a business… isn’t just what you sell. It’s how it makes them feel. Keywords: Nipper Albany NY, RCA dog history, Albany landmarks, Fort Orange General Store, small business storytelling, retail customer experience, shop dog, small business podcast, entrepreneurship, entrepreneur, family life, family business Support the show Thanks for listening to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Every follow, share, and review helps support a growing independent podcast and small business. 📍 Visit us in person: Fort Orange General Store – Downtown Albany, NY 🛍️ Shop online: fortorangegeneralstore.com 📲 Follow along on social: Instagram: @fortorangegeneralstore 💬 Join the conversation: Have a question, topic idea, or small business story you’d like us to cover? Send us a message or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you. 🎙️ New episodes drop weekly, sharing honest conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and the beautiful chaos of building a life and business together. Until next time—thanks for supporting small business, community, and real stories. Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW

    31 min

  7. Apr 15

    11: Managing Employees in a Small Business: When to Lead, When to Step In, and Do It Yourself

    We love to hear from our listeners! Click HERE to send us a text! (Mobile Devices Only) In this episode of Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store, Joe Slichko and Erica Cubello talk through a real and ongoing challenge of small business ownership: Managing people while still being responsible for the work itself. As their business continues to grow, so does the complexity of working with a team. But unlike larger organizations, there’s no clear separation between leadership and execution. When something needs to get done, the decision isn’t always whether to delegate—it’s whether to step in. Joe and Erica reflect on what it looks like to manage employees in real time, while also maintaining the standards and expectations they’ve set for the business. They discuss:  The balance between leading a team and doing the work yourself  Recognizing when to step back—and when to step in immediately  The responsibility of ownership when things aren’t going as expected  How fast-paced environments change the way you manage people  Navigating communication, expectations, and follow-through  Why small business leadership often looks different than traditional management The conversation stays grounded in real scenarios inside the store—moments where decisions have to be made quickly, without overthinking or overexplaining. In those moments, leadership becomes less about process and more about presence. Joe reflects on the challenge of managing outcomes while still being part of the day-to-day operations, while Erica shares how maintaining the energy and flow of the store often requires jumping in without hesitation. Together, they unpack the reality that in a small business, ownership doesn’t sit on the sidelines. It shows up in the middle of the work—whether that means guiding, adjusting, or doing it yourself to keep things moving. As always, the conversation connects back to life outside the store. With four kids and a full schedule, the weight of these decisions doesn’t stay at work. It becomes part of the rhythm of their everyday lives. This episode offers an honest look at what it really means to lead a team in a small business—where the line between manager and doer is never fully separate. Because sometimes leadership isn’t about stepping back. It’s about stepping in. Keywords: managing employees small business, small business leadership, retail team management, entrepreneurship leadership, business ownership reality, working with employees, Fort Orange General Store, small business podcast Support the show Thanks for listening to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Every follow, share, and review helps support a growing independent podcast and small business. 📍 Visit us in person: Fort Orange General Store – Downtown Albany, NY 🛍️ Shop online: fortorangegeneralstore.com 📲 Follow along on social: Instagram: @fortorangegeneralstore 💬 Join the conversation: Have a question, topic idea, or small business story you’d like us to cover? Send us a message or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you. 🎙️ New episodes drop weekly, sharing honest conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and the beautiful chaos of building a life and business together. Until next time—thanks for supporting small business, community, and real stories. Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW

    30 min

  8. Apr 1

    10: What’s Missing in Downtown Albany? Community Voices, Small Business, and the Future of Our City

    We love to hear from our listeners! Click HERE to send us a text! (Mobile Devices Only) In this episode of Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store, Joe Slichko and Erica Cubello celebrate a major milestone—10 episodes—by turning the conversation outward and asking a powerful question: What’s missing in Downtown Albany? What started as a simple post on social media quickly grew into a much larger conversation. With over 160 comments and thousands of views, the response revealed something deeper than just ideas—it showed a community that cares. Joe and Erica read through real responses from local residents, business owners, and visitors, uncovering common themes about what people want to see in the future of downtown. They discuss:  Why a thriving downtown starts with people living there The need for everyday essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies, and walkable services  How cafes, bakeries, and gathering spaces shape the identity of a city  The importance of events, street activity, and consistent foot traffic  Ongoing frustrations around parking, accessibility, and infrastructure  The untapped potential of Albany’s waterfront and public spaces As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that these aren’t just suggestions—they’re patterns. Thoughtful, repeated ideas that point toward a shared vision of a more connected, vibrant, and accessible downtown. Joe and Erica also reflect on their own experience as small business owners trying to grow within the city, including the challenges of navigating systems, accessing new spaces, and reinvesting in the community they’re committed to building. At its core, this episode is about more than one post or one conversation. It’s about momentum. It’s about recognizing that meaningful change doesn’t come from one voice—it comes from many. As both business owners and parents, Joe and Erica also reflect on what it means to be part of that change, and what their children are learning by watching a community come together to share ideas, frustrations, and hope for the future. Because building a small business is one thing. But helping shape a city—that’s something bigger. Keywords: downtown Albany, small business community, local business growth, community development, urban revitalization, small business podcast, Albany NY, Fort Orange General Store Support the show Thanks for listening to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Every follow, share, and review helps support a growing independent podcast and small business. 📍 Visit us in person: Fort Orange General Store – Downtown Albany, NY 🛍️ Shop online: fortorangegeneralstore.com 📲 Follow along on social: Instagram: @fortorangegeneralstore 💬 Join the conversation: Have a question, topic idea, or small business story you’d like us to cover? Send us a message or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you. 🎙️ New episodes drop weekly, sharing honest conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and the beautiful chaos of building a life and business together. Until next time—thanks for supporting small business, community, and real stories. Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW

    28 min
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out of 5
8 Ratings

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Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store takes you behind the counter of a real small business run by two parents raising four kids while building their dream. Each episode shares honest weekly wins, failures, lessons, and the beautiful chaos of running Fort Orange General Store—from inventory challenges to bedtime routines, customer stories to relationship balancing acts. If you’re a small business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, a parent juggling too much, or someone who loves authentic conversations about work and life blending together, this show is for you. Expect candid storytelling, practical takeaways, and a real look at what it takes to build a business without losing yourself—or your sense of humor—along the way. Topics listeners come here for: • Small business challenges & victories • Balancing entrepreneurship and family life • Marriage + business partnership dynamics • Work-life integration (and when it falls apart) • Behind-the-scenes of Fort Orange General Store • Real stories from real small business owners New episodes every week. Honest. Relatable. Sometimes chaotic. Always real. Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW Fort Orange General Store: https://www.fortorangegeneralstore.com/ Podcast: https://www.fortorangegeneralstore.com/podcast

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