Re-Thinking Business: Success Sauce & Two Pickles

Pickle #1 Tamara MacDuff & Pickle #2 Sid Ragona

Pickle #1, Tamara MacDuff and Pickle #2, Sid Ragona interview different entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds, different approaches and ideas for achieving success. Created for SCORE, which offers free and confidential mentoring, they do more that just interview them about their business. They dig down into who are they, how they think, what they fear, & what gets them out of bed on a morning. Join them on this thrilling journey of discovery and explore the deeper aspects of the entrepreneur mindset. www.score.org

  1. 12/26/2025

    Episode 115: Scott Fitzgerald of Roc Vox - podcasting strategies

    Let us know your thoughts!! In this episode of Re-Thinking Business: Success Sauce & Two Pickles we welcome Scott Fitzgerald, President & Co-Owner of Roc Vox, a professional studio for recording audiobooks, voice-overs and podcasts, with video production services. https://rocvox.com/ Hosted by Tamara MacDuff (pickle#1) and Sid Ragona Ph.D (pickle#2) of Re-Thinking Business: Success Sauce & Two Pickles. Western NY SCORE's podcast. Scott W. Fitzgerald Podcast, Live Stream and Voice Over Studio eLearning Voice Productions Video Production & Post ROCVox.com ROC Vox Recording & Production, LLC. 640 Kreag Rd. Suite 103 Pittsford, NY  14534 585-200-4832 fitz@rocvox.com Podcasting Strategies with Scott Fitzgerald: Insights and Trends In this episode of 'Rethinking Business: Success Sauce and Two Pickles,' hosts Tamara MacDuff and Sid Ragona sit down with Scott Fitzgerald, the founder and owner of Roc Vox Recording, the first podcast studio in Rochester. The discussion explores the evolution of podcasting, best practices for starting and maintaining a podcast, and the impact of AI and technological advancements on the industry. Scott shares valuable advice on the importance of passion, patience, and perseverance in successful podcasting, alongside insights into audience engagement and promotional strategies. The episode also delves into the relevance of video podcasts, AI tools in audio production, and the future landscape of podcasting. 01:16 Podcasting Statistics and Business Potential 02:00 Guest Introduction: Scott Fitzgerald of Roc Vox Recording 03:01 Scott's Journey from Radio to Podcasting 03:35 Early Days of Podcasting: Challenges and Evolution 08:01 The Importance of Video in Podcasting 11:41 Finding Your Ideal Audience and Podcast Format 16:22 AI's Impact on Podcast Production 19:18 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters 22:22 Promoting Your Podcast Effectively 29:28 The Power of Micro Casts 30:49 The Value of Motivational Content 31:44 Best Motivational Advice 37:42 The Future of Technology and AI 48:08 Reflections and Personal Advice 50:04 Roc Vox Recording and Community Interested in supporting our show? Please click below. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1735426/supporters/new Support the show

    56 min
  2. 11/20/2025

    Episode 114. John Adams of the Greece Chamber of Commerce and the Too Tall Franchise Guy

    Let us know your thoughts!! In this episode of Re-Thinking Business: Success Sauce & Two Pickles we welcome John Adams, President & CEO of the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and the President & Senior Consultant of The Too Tall Franchise Guy powered by Frannet, where he covers the benefits of the chamber and information about starting up a franchise. https://greecechamber.org/ https://frannet.com/franchise-consultants/john-adams/ Hosted by Tamara MacDuff (pickle#1) and Sid Ragona Ph.D (pickle#2) of Re-Thinking Business: Success Sauce & Two Pickles. Greater Rochester SCORE's weekly radio show. Insights with John Adams of the Greece Chamber of Commerce and the Too Tall Franchise Guy In this episode of the Rethinking Business Success Sauce and two pickles show, hosts Tamara McDuff and Sid Ragona sit down with John Adams, President and CEO of the Greece Chamber of Commerce. John discusses his extensive business background and how he came to lead the Chamber. He highlights the various roles a Chamber of Commerce plays in supporting local businesses, including networking opportunities, facilitating growth, and offering visibility through advertising and events. John also shares insights on franchising, drawing from his decade-long experience in franchise consulting. The episode covers the benefits of Chamber membership, collaborations with SCORE and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and provides advice for small business owners. Listeners will gain valuable information on how Chambers can help grow their businesses and the importance of leveraging community resources for entrepreneurial success. 00:30 Introduction and Welcome 01:06 Introducing the Guest: John Adams 03:48 Role and Impact of the Chamber of Commerce 05:35 Networking Events and First Fridays 07:58 Podcast and Media Outreach 12:11 Personal Journey with Chambers of Commerce 19:20 Membership Benefits and Services 25:48 Franchising Insights and Opportunities 27:22 Franchise Benefits and Marketing Support 27:47 Challenges and Realities of Running a Restaurant 28:57 Simplified Loan Processes for Franchises 29:52 Journey into the Franchise Business 32:50 Partnerships and Mentorship in Business 42:29 Advice for Small Business Owners 48:15 Conclusion and Contact Information Support the show

    53 min
  3. 04/03/2025

    Episode 113: Jen DiMarzio: Mastering Communication for Small Businesses

    Let us know your thoughts!! Mastering Communication with Jen DiMarzio: Insights on Leadership, Change, and Connectivity In this episode of 'Re-Thinking Business Success Sauce and Two Pickles, hosts Tamara McDuff and Sid Ragona welcome Jen DiMarzio of Jen DeMarzio Consulting. Jen shares her expertise in helping CEOs improve employee communication, emphasizing the importance of connecting employees with the company's mission. She discusses her transition from corporate to consulting and offers insights into change management, highlighting the significance of the ADDCAR model. Jen also shares her thoughts on the role of AI in communications and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs. Learn from Jen's journey and discover key strategies for effective leadership and communication. https://www.jendimarzioconsulting.com/ 00:35 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:19 Jen DeMarzo's Journey into Consulting04:48 The Leap from Corporate to Consulting06:57 Challenges and Strategies in Consulting11:05 The Importance of Networking13:51 Leadership and Change Management22:17 Impact of AI on Business and Communication27:07 How to Connect with Jen DeMarzo27:55 Exploring Fractional Support28:49 Defining Fractional Support30:03 Jen's Professional Identity31:27 Advice to a Younger Self32:17 Parenting and Communication Skills33:14 Curiosity in Personal and Professional Life39:18 Mentorship and Best Advice44:40 Future Networking Plans47:14 Conclusion and Contact InformationInterested in supporting our show?  Please click the link below. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1735426/supporters/new Support the show

    49 min
  4. 03/20/2025

    Episode 112: Natalie Grace of Graceful Bodyworks; Nutrition & Functional Fitness

    Let us know your thoughts!! Pursuing Longevity through Functional Fitness with Natalie Grace,   In this episode of 'Rethinking Business,' hosts Tamara MacDuff and Sid Ragona interview Natalie Grace from Graceful Body Works. Natalie shares her journey from New York City to Rochester and her passion for longevity, with a personal goal of living to 103. She discusses her expertise in nutrition, wellness, and functional fitness, emphasizing the importance of exercises that improve everyday movements. Natalie explains how her work bridges gaps between physical therapy and personal fitness, with special attention to bone density and resistance training for older adults. She also highlights the importance of hydration and balanced protein intake for overall health. https://gracefulbodyworks.com/ •  00:35 Introduction and Greetings •  01:03 Meet Our Guest: Natalie Grace •  03:11 Understanding Functional Fitness •  05:58 Longevity and Health Span •  17:31 The Importance of Hydration and Protein •  29:34 Bone Density and Resistance Training •  32:24 Lunges with Bags: A Fun Fitness Tip •  32:30 Natalie's Journey: From NYC to Rochester •  33:32 The Serendipitous Meeting with Sharon Perry Ferrari •  36:22 Building a Business: Mentorship and Networking •  39:59 Advice to Younger Self: Take More Risks •  43:01 Future Plans: Empowering Women Through Health •  46:22 The Benefits of Cold Showers •  48:32 Sports Massage and Marathon Experiences •  52:20 Connecting with Natalie Grace •  54:19 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Support the show

    59 min

About

Pickle #1, Tamara MacDuff and Pickle #2, Sid Ragona interview different entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds, different approaches and ideas for achieving success. Created for SCORE, which offers free and confidential mentoring, they do more that just interview them about their business. They dig down into who are they, how they think, what they fear, & what gets them out of bed on a morning. Join them on this thrilling journey of discovery and explore the deeper aspects of the entrepreneur mindset. www.score.org