Capital Connect

GTM
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Entrepreneurship

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.

  1. 1d ago

    Jon Foshee of Concord Pools & Spas

    How do you double a 50-year-old family business during a pandemic, keep 35 employees intact, and turn a traditional pool company into a technology-powered growth machine? In the latest episode of the Capital Connect podcast by GTM Payroll and HR, we are joined by Jon Foshee, President and CEO of Concord Pools. Jon unpacks the leadership decisions, modernized systems, and people-first culture behind his company’s recent surge in growth. Drawing from a highly diverse career path—including time spent as a recording engineer, radio professional, sales representative, and home builder—Jon shares how his unique background shaped his approach to earning trust, handling rejection, and leading through severe market uncertainty. In this episode, Jon discusses: Taking the Leap: How an unexpected opportunity led him to acquire Concord Pools.Crisis Management: The strategic decision to keep his team together and fully employed when COVID-19 disrupted the business landscape.Tech-Driven Scaling: How implementing modern systems—from ERP and route optimization to digitized records and AI—helped Concord scale efficiently.Workplace Culture: Why hiring for attitude, investing in staff, and connecting with employees' families builds an unbreakable team.Operational Growing Pains: How rapid expansion exposes operational challenges, and how agile leaders can respond.Passing the Torch: His practical approach to succession planning and developing future leaders from within.Jon also highlights what makes the Capital Region a uniquely special place to build a business. He leaves listeners with actionable advice for handling the weight of leadership: stay calm, believe in your team, and never take your role’s impact on people's lives for granted. *Links & Resources:* * https://concordpools.com/ * https://www.gtm.com/business * https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitodelgado/

  2. Sep 25

    Frank Annicaro of the CDTA

    A reliable transportation network isn't just about getting people from point A to point B—it’s a critical driver of workforce development, employee retention, and regional economic growth. In this episode of Capital Connect, GTM Business Sales Manager Kito Delgado sits down with Frank Annicaro of the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Frank shares an inside look at how the CDTA is actively connecting the Capital Region's workforce with local businesses, breaking down the direct link between accessible transit and a thriving local economy. Kito and Frank explore how the CDTA is adapting to the changing commute habits of modern employees, upcoming infrastructure expansions, and how local employers can leverage transit partnerships to attract and retain top talent. Whether you’re a business owner looking to solve employee commuting challenges or just curious about the future of infrastructure in the Capital Region, this episode delivers valuable insights into the systems keeping our community moving. Links & Resources: Learn more about the CDTA and employer programsStreamline your HR and payroll with GTMConnect with Kito Delgado on LinkedIn

  3. Sep 11

    Tricia Rogers of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce

    In this episode of Capital Connect, presented by GTM Payroll & HR, we sit down with Tricia Rogers, President & CEO of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC). Tricia shares insights into the Adirondack region's economic pulse, the essential role local chambers play in advocating for small-to-midsize businesses, and how community-focused leadership drives sustainable growth. Whether you're an established business owner, an HR professional, or an aspiring entrepreneur, Tricia highlights actionable advice on networking, workforce development, and leveraging regional resources to help your organization thrive. Key Takeaways: The Role of the ARCC: How the chamber serves as a voice for regional businesses across Warren, Washington, Saratoga, and Essex counties.Workforce & Economic Trends: Key strategies local employers are using to attract, retain, and develop talent in upstate New York.Community Connection: Why regional collaboration and networking remain vital for business longevity. Connect & Resources: Learn more about GTM Payroll & HR: gtm.com/businessExplore the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce: adirondackchamber.orgSubscribe to Capital Connect on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!

  4. Aug 28

    Gary Dake of Stewarts

    On this episode of Capital Connect, host Kito Delgado sits down with Gary Dake, CEO of Stewart's Shops, to explore the leadership principles behind one of Upstate New York's most iconic brands. Since stepping into leadership, Gary has helped double annual sales to over $1.6 billion, but the company's true hallmark is its profound commitment to its workforce. We go behind the counter to uncover how Stewart's Shops scaled from a single dairy shop in Ballston Spa to a network of over 400 locations across New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire—all while maintaining a close-knit, family-business culture. Gary breaks down the mechanics and philosophy of their famous Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which has transferred more than 40% of the company's ownership to its employees and created roughly 90 millionaires in the process. Whether you are scaling a business or looking for ways to boost employee retention, this conversation offers a masterclass in how investing in your human capital pays the highest dividends.

  5. Aug 14

    Mark Eagan of the Capital Region Chamber

    In this episode of Capital Connect, we sit down with Mark Eagan, President and CEO of the Capital Region Chamber and the Center for Economic Growth. With decades of experience advocating for businesses across Upstate New York, Mark shares his insights into what makes the Albany capital region a thriving hub for innovation, workforce development, and enterprise. We dive into the current economic landscape of the Capital Region, how local businesses can leverage the Chamber’s resources to scale, and the ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the regional economy. Whether you're a startup founder, an established business owner, or simply interested in the economic future of our community, this conversation provides a strategic roadmap for growth and regional success. Key Takeaways: The Vision for the Capital Region: Mark’s perspective on the area's economic trajectory and competitive advantages.Chamber Resources: How the Capital Region Chamber supports local businesses through networking, talent attraction, and pro-business policy advocacy.Workforce & Innovation: Strategies being deployed by the Center for Economic Growth to attract and retain top talent in Upstate New York.Advocacy in Action: A look at recent pro-business initiatives and how state budget agreements impact the local economy. Links & Resources: Learn more about the Capital Region Chamber: capitalregionchamber.comExplore the Center for Economic Growth: ceg.orgContact Mark Eagan: meagan@capitalregionchamber.com

  6. Jul 31

    Jennifer Lawrence of the SEAT Center

    How do we bridge the gap between untapped local talent and the businesses that need them most? In this episode of Capital Connect, we sit down with Jennifer Lawrence, Founder and CEO of the SEAT Center (Social Enterprise and Training Center). Jennifer shares her journey of bringing opportunity to underrepresented young adults across the Capital Region, detailing how her organization equips the next generation with in-demand skills—from culinary arts in downtown Albany to green construction and healthcare. For HR leaders, executives, and small business owners, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on workforce development. Discover actionable ways your organization can partner with community programs to build a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant workplace without the corporate jargon. Key Takeaways:The SEAT Center Mission: How the organization transforms lives in Schenectady and Albany through education and sustainable wage jobs.Removing Barriers: Identifying and dismantling the systemic hurdles that keep talented youth out of the workforce.Employer Integration: Practical strategies for local businesses to connect with trained, credentialed, and ready-to-work young adults.Resources & Links:Learn more about the SEAT Center and their mission: seatcenter.orgExplore SEAT's employer partnership opportunities: seatcenter.org/about-usStreamline your workforce management with GTM Payroll & HR: gtm.com/business Subscribe to Capital Connect for more thought leadership and actionable advice designed to help Capital Region employers thrive.

  7. Jul 17

    Ryan M. Hungershafer of Spring Street Financial

    In this episode of the Capital Connect podcast, we sit down with Ryan M. Hungershafer, Founding Partner and Private Wealth Advisor at Spring Street Financial. Ryan shares his expert insights on wealth management, strategic financial planning, and how business owners and professionals can navigate today’s economic landscape to secure their financial futures. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to optimize your company's financial health or an individual focused on long-term wealth building, this conversation is packed with actionable advice you can start applying today. 🔗 Connect with our Guest: https://springstreetfinancial.nm.com/ 🏢 About GTM Payroll & HR: Capital Connect is brought to you by GTM Payroll & HR. We help businesses streamline their operations with customizable payroll, human resources, and benefits administration solutions. https://gtm.com/business/ LinkedIn Subscribe to our podcast for more insights! #CapitalConnect #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #BusinessGrowth #SpringStreetFinancial #GTMPayrollAndHR #Podcast #Finance Ask

  8. Jul 3

    Matt Scarchilli of Sandler Training

    How does a pharmacist with zero business experience end up founding a software company that gets acquired by Time Inc.? On this episode of the Capital Connect podcast, brought to you by GTM Payroll & HR, host Kito Delgado sits down with Matt Scarchilli, Franchise Owner of Sandler Training in Albany. Matt shares the incredible 15-year story behind Sports Sign Up, a company born out of a desperate need to modernize a cumbersome paper registration process for the Latham Soccer Club. What started as a volunteer passion project turned into a massive leap of faith, requiring Matt to walk away from a stable career and rely on the unwavering support of his wife to build a tech business from the ground up. Matt opens up about the realities of bootstrapping a startup, the critical self-awareness required to eventually hand over the reins to an outside CEO, and the surreal experience of negotiating a major acquisition. Today, Matt draws on his hard-earned entrepreneurial experience to coach Capital Region sales teams through the Sandler Selling System, emphasizing why a structured, disciplined approach is the key to long-term success. Key TakeawaysThe ROI of Giving Back: How volunteering and following a lifelong passion for soccer unexpectedly uncovered a scalable business opportunity.The Power of Naivety: Why overthinking can lead to paralysis, and how sometimes taking a leap of faith is exactly what you need to seize an opportunity.Knowing When to Let Go: Why founders must detach from their "baby" and recognize when it’s time to bring in external leadership to push past revenue plateaus.Mastering the Pivot: Navigating the transition from tech founder to the corporate world, and eventually stepping into franchise ownership and sales coaching.Links & ResourcesConnect with Matt Scarchilli: LinkedInGet Connected with GTM and Learn More About our Services

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    GTM
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 GTM