Building The Blueprint | A Podcast By ConnectOne Bank

ConnectOne Bank

Welcome to Building the Blueprint, a podcast from ConnectOne Bank! This podcast is your ultimate, no-nonsense resource for cutting through the noise to help you manage the changing business environment. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and forward-thinking professionals, each episode delivers sharp insights, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories to help you turn your vision into reality. From navigating market shifts to scaling operations and driving innovation, we explore the challenges and opportunities that define tomorrow’s success.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    The Reality of Fraud for Small Businesses

    Cyber threats are evolving, and businesses of all sizes are at risk. But protecting your business doesn't always require complicated solutions. In this episode of Building The Blueprint, ConnectOne Bank's Chief Digital Officer, Ali Mattera, sits down with Ric Wallace and Mike Cervino, co-founders of CircleSquare Consulting, to discuss the growing risks of cybersecurity threats and financial fraud facing businesses. Tune in for actionable insights on protecting your company's data, finances, and operations, and why cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that extends beyond your IT team.

    The Reality of Fraud for Small Businesses

  2. Jun 5

    Building Your Business Blueprint: Start it, Buy it, or Franchise it

    Are you ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship but unsure which path is right for you? In this episode, Chairman & CEO Frank Sorrentino sits down with David Canet, Head of SBA Lending at ConnectOne Bank, and Mike Rozman, CEO of BoeFly, to unpack the realities of business ownership. Together, they break down the distinct pros, cons, and financial considerations of the three primary routes to success: bootstrapping a startup, buying into a franchise, and acquiring an existing business

    Building Your Business Blueprint: Start it, Buy it, or Franchise it

  3. Jan 29

    Scaling Success in 2026: Cutting Through The Noise

    As we kick off 2026, what should business owners be paying attention to-- and how can they position themselves for a strong year ahead?In this episode of Building The Blueprint, Chairman & CEO, Frank Sorrentino, sits down to reflect on the economic realities of 2025 and unpack what they signal for the year ahead. From navigating uncertainty and cutting through market noise to reinforcing business discipline and intentional decision-making, this conversation is designed to help leaders gain clarity and confidence in their strategy. #BuildingTheBlueprint #ConnectOneBank #ABetterPlaceToBe------------ConnectOne Bank, member FDIC, equal housing lender. The material contained in items posted on this website (including both written material, such as articles or opinions and recorded material, such as podcasts and interviews) is intended as a general market commentary. The opinions, estimates and projections, if any, contained in these articles are the personal views of the individuals participating. This information is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. Statements of individuals are their own—not those of ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. or ConnectOne Bank – participants are not speaking on behalf of the Company or the Bank. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. These items are intended for general educational and marketing purposes only. ConnectOne provides links to other websites or apps for your convenience and does not control the content, services or products provided on the linked website or app, whose Privacy and security policies or procedures may differ. Visit ConnectOne’s company policies and disclosures on their website at www.connectonebank.com.

  4. 10/23/2025

    Fighting Modern Fraud: Security Insights from Guest Sara Seguin

    In this episode of Building the Blueprint, ConnectOne Bank's EVP Treasurer & Chief Corporate Development Officer, Steve Primiano, sits down with Principal Fraud and Identity Advisor, Sara Seguin from Alloy, to unpack today's evolving fraud landscape.From identity theft and digital scams to the latest fraud prevention technologies, Sara shares nearly two decades of experience in banking and fraud strategy-- helping business owners understand how to minimize risk while still driving growth.#BuildingTheBlueprint #ConnectOneBank #ABetterPlaceToBe------------ConnectOne Bank, member FDIC, equal housing lender. The material contained in items posted on this website (including both written material, such as articles or opinions and recorded material, such as podcasts and interviews) is intended as a general market commentary. The opinions, estimates and projections, if any, contained in these articles are the personal views of the individuals participating. This information is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. Statements of individuals are their own—not those of ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. or ConnectOne Bank – participants are not speaking on behalf of the Company or the Bank. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. These items are intended for general educational and marketing purposes only. ConnectOne provides links to other websites or apps for your convenience and does not control the content, services or products provided on the linked website or app, whose Privacy and security policies or procedures may differ. Visit ConnectOne’s company policies and disclosures on their website at www.connectonebank.com.

    Fighting Modern Fraud: Security Insights from Guest Sara Seguin

  5. 07/22/2025

    Beyond The Building: Lessons In Real Estate From Guest Jon Schultz

    In this episode of Building The Blueprint, ConnectOne Bank CEO Frank Sorrentino and EVP, Treasurer, and Chief Corporate Development Officer, Steve Primiano welcome their first guest: Jon Schultz, co-founder and managing principal of Onyx Equities. Jon shares how Onyx became a major player in the tri-state real estate market and how innovation, risk-taking, and adaptability have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to hear real-world insights on property investment, development, and building a resilient business.

    Beyond The Building: Lessons In Real Estate From Guest Jon Schultz

  6. 04/17/2025

    What The Tariff?

    In Episode 2 of Building The Blueprint, ConnectOne Bank's Chairman & CEO Frank Sorrentino and EVP Treasurer Steve Primiano dig into one of the hottest topics affecting business owners today: tariffs. What are they really? How do they impact local businesses? And what should entrepreneurs be thinking about in a changing global economy? This episode breaks down complex economic trends into straight-talking business strategy. Whether navigating supply chain challenges or trying to make sense of global headlines, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways to help you build smarter and stay ahead. 🔗 Be on the lookout for more episodes and subscribe for updates! ------------ ConnectOne Bank, member FDIC, equal housing lender. The material contained in items posted on this website (including both written material, such as articles or opinions and recorded material, such as podcasts and interviews) is intended as a general market commentary. The opinions, estimates and projections, if any, contained in these articles are the personal views of the individuals participating. This information is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. Statements of individuals are their own—not those of ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. or ConnectOne Bank – participants are not speaking on behalf of the Company or the Bank. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. These items are intended for general educational and marketing purposes only.ConnectOne provides links to other websites or apps for your convenience and does not control the content, services or products provided on the linked website or app, whose Privacy and security policies or procedures may differ. Visit ConnectOne’s company policies and disclosures on their website at www.connectonebank.com.

    What The Tariff?

  7. 04/10/2025

    The Road Ahead: 2025

    Welcome to the first episode of Building the Blueprint, ConnectOne Bank's new podcast dedicated to helping business owners lay the foundation for success! Hosted by Frank Sorrentino III, Founder & CEO of ConnectOne Bank, our podcast unpacks complex business topics into actionable insights. In this inaugural episode, Frank is joined by Steve Primiano, ConnectOne’s Executive Vice President & Treasurer, to discuss what 2025 has in store for business owners. From shifting Fed rates to the 3Ts—Taxes, Tariffs, and Trade—they explore key trends and government policies, all while tying it back to the opportunities and challenges faced by Main Street businesses. If you’re a business owner looking to stay ahead and build smarter, this podcast is your essential guide. Be on the lookout for more episodes and subscribe for updates! ------------ ConnectOne Bank, member FDIC, equal housing lender. The material contained in items posted onthis website (including both written material, such as articles or opinions and recorded material, suchas podcasts and interviews) is intended as a general market commentary. The opinions, estimatesand projections, if any, contained in these articles are the personal views of the individualsparticipating. This information is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment or financialadvice. Statements of individuals are their own—not those of ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. orConnectOne Bank – participants are not speaking on behalf of the Company or the Bank. Consult anappropriate professional concerning your specific situation. These items are intended for generaleducational and marketing purposes only.ConnectOne provides links to other websites or apps for your convenience and does not control thecontent, services or products provided on the linked website or app, whose Privacy and securitypolicies or procedures may differ. Visit ConnectOne’s company policies and disclosures on theirwebsite at www.connectonebank.com.

    The Road Ahead: 2025
  • 7 Episodes

About

Welcome to Building the Blueprint, a podcast from ConnectOne Bank! This podcast is your ultimate, no-nonsense resource for cutting through the noise to help you manage the changing business environment. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and forward-thinking professionals, each episode delivers sharp insights, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories to help you turn your vision into reality. From navigating market shifts to scaling operations and driving innovation, we explore the challenges and opportunities that define tomorrow’s success.

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