WNY Entrepreneur

David Schaub

If you love Western NY AND Entrepreneurship; this is the podcast for you. David Schaub interviews the top entrepreneurs in WNY about business. If you’re anything like me you want to learn from the top people in the industry. You want to learn their secrets, their failures, what really works and what doesn’t. In this podcast we get to the “nitty gritty” stuff Entrepreneurs want to know and learn. It’s great to learn from Entrepreneurs from across the world but what about the amazing people in our own backyard? Here we learn from people who live in the Western NY area and thrive here in Business

  1. 12月2日

    The Line Between Hobby And Business | Kathryn O’Donnell | Botanicus Interior Landscaping

    What does it take to grow a creative business into a thriving legacy? In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Kathryn O’Donnell, the powerhouse behind Botanicus Interior Landscaping, a company that’s been quietly beautifying Buffalo’s commercial spaces for over 50 years. Kathryn shares how she transformed what began as a small plant shop with little structure into a service-driven, client-centered business with staying power. Through leadership changes, market shifts, and industry burnout, she’s stayed grounded by leading with purpose, building the right systems, and learning what separates a hobby from a real business. Whether you’re building something from scratch or trying to stabilize your business for long-term success, Kathryn offers refreshing perspective on money, mindset, and making decisions that truly support your goals. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How Kathryn took a small plant shop and turned it into a lasting 50-year business ✅ The difference between a hobby that costs you money and a business that makes you money ✅ Why knowing your numbers is essential, even in passion-based industries ✅ How she protects her time and energy by choosing aligned clients ✅ What most entrepreneurs overlook when pricing projects or quoting work ✅ Why systems and people matter more than trends or tools ✅ The mindset that helped her survive leadership changes and stay in the game 🎧 This one’s for the business owners who want to grow something sustainable, not just flashy. Tune in and get inspired by real-world insights from someone who’s been in it for the long haul.

    32 分钟

  2. 11月26日

    From CTO to Consultant – Emily Carlson – PBA Consulting

    After three decades in the tech industry, Emily Carlson found herself laid off and at a crossroads. Instead of jumping back into the corporate world, she leaned into the unknown and launched her own consulting business, PBA Consulting. Now, she helps entrepreneurs, startups, and leadership teams harness the power of artificial intelligence, streamline operations, and build healthier, more efficient technical teams. In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, Emily shares her journey from stable paycheck to founder, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, communication, and building businesses that work smarter, not harder. Whether you’ve toyed with the idea of bringing AI into your business or you’re simply trying to lead your team better, Emily’s insights will challenge how you think about problem solving, hiring, and tech strategy. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ Why getting laid off after 30 years in tech pushed Emily into entrepreneurship and why she believes more seasoned leaders should make the leap sooner ✅ The real reason most AI projects fail ✅ How to translate complex tech challenges into clear business wins ✅ Why many teams aren’t understaffed, they’re underutilized ✅ What it takes to coach high-level technical talent, especially those who struggle with people skills or communication ✅ How empathy became Emily’s secret weapon in the world of IT and cybersecurity leadership ✅ What she wishes every founder knew before hiring consultants or building a tech team from scratch 💬 Why It Matters for Entrepreneurs: Too often, business owners rush into tech without strategy or avoid it altogether out of fear. Emily brings a refreshing blend of practicality and heart to this conversation, reminding us that clarity, communication, and trust are just as important as technical skill. Whether you’re scaling a startup, navigating leadership challenges, or wondering if AI is worth exploring, this episode offers a roadmap you didn’t know you needed.

    31 分钟

  3. 11月18日

    Fail Fast, Learn Faster – Robb Everhart – Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp

    Imagine launching your business one week before the world shut down. That’s exactly what Robb Everhart did. As co-founder of Fairway Home Mortgage in Rochester, NY, Robb and his wife opened their doors just days before the COVID lockdowns began in 2020. But that’s just one chapter in a story shaped by two decades of leadership in the mortgage world—navigating market crashes, scaling teams, learning hard lessons in hiring, and redefining what success really means. In this episode, Robb gets real about the cost of playing a role, the power of mentorship, and the growth that comes when you finally decide to lead with authenticity. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How launching a business during a global shutdown taught Robb to lead with calm, clarity, and confidence ✅ Why being inauthentic early in business cost him years of progress—and what finally helped him find his voice ✅ How to recognize when a partnership or hire isn’t right (and why ignoring your gut can quietly derail your culture) ✅ The question a mentor asked that changed how he leads his team ✅ Why being a strong communicator is a superpower in high-stakes industries like finance ✅ How coaching baseball and navigating divorce shaped his view on leadership and legacy ✅ The biggest hiring lesson Robb learned—and how slowing down actually speeds up growth ✅ What entrepreneurs can learn from the evolution of lending—from cold calls to AI tools ✅ Why staying true to your values is harder—but always worth it ✅ How defining your mission helps you grow with clarity, even when the world around you is in chaos 🎧 If you’ve ever felt pulled between who you think you should be in business and who you really are, this episode will remind you: growth starts with getting honest—and it’s never too late to lead differently.

    29 分钟

  4. 11月11日

    Finding What Makes You Most Alive – Dan Greco – Most Alive

    What happens when success on paper doesn’t feel like success in real life? In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Dan Greco, founder of Most Alive, to talk about the uncomfortable but powerful moment he walked away from a high-ranking corporate career to build something more meaningful. Dan shares how his personal turning point became the foundation for a business that now helps other high-performing entrepreneurs find clarity, fulfillment, and forward momentum. This isn’t just a story about leaving a job—it’s about breaking free from limiting stories, realigning your values, and learning how to lead with purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why Dan walked away from a senior VP role at M&T Bank to launch Most Alive ✅ The surprising reason high achievers often feel stuck or unfulfilled ✅ How to recognize when frustration outweighs fulfillment—and what to do about it ✅ The coaching framework he uses to help entrepreneurs turn chaos into clarity ✅ Why “asking why” the right way can unlock deeper motivation and direction ✅ How limiting beliefs—not lack of resources—hold most business owners back ✅ What failure taught him about feedback, humility, and long-term growth 🎧 If you’ve ever felt like something’s missing — even when things are “going well” — this conversation will hit home. Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that true success starts with self-awareness.

    45 分钟

  5. 11月4日

    From College Dropout to Housing CEO – Christian Bauman – Buffalo Corporate Housing

    What if you could build a thriving real estate business — without owning a single property? In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Christian Bauman, founder of Buffalo Corporate Housing, to hear how he went from broke college dropout at 21 to managing over 50 fully furnished rental units across Western New York. Christian breaks down the strategy behind his rapid growth in the midterm rental market, why he bet on Buffalo instead of short-term Airbnb plays, and how one networking event changed everything. From bootstrapping and subleasing legally to surviving COVID and scaling with zero marketing budget, this episode is packed with practical advice and mindset shifts for any business owner ready to grow without the traditional blueprint. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How Christian went from dropping out of college to managing 50+ rentals ✅ Why midterm rentals are a smart alternative to short-term Airbnb ✅ His simple but powerful pitch to get landlords on board with subleasing ✅ How to scale a service-based business without owning assets ✅ The lessons he learned during COVID and how Buffalo’s rental climate shaped his strategy ✅ Why showing up to local events built his entire business network ✅ The mindset that helped him push through tragedy and stay focused on growth 🎧 If you're thinking differently about real estate, revenue streams, or building something from scratch—this episode will give you the spark you need.

    29 分钟

  6. 10月28日

    From Audit Fears to Business Freedom – Rob Picone – Picone Landscaping & Snow Plowing

    Rob Picone’s entrepreneurial story isn’t one of overnight success—it’s one of grit, humility, and learning the hard way. After being audited twice and nearly losing everything, Rob turned things around to build a multimillion-dollar business with over 30 employees. Now, he’s sharing the lessons most business owners learn too late. In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, Rob opens up about the financial missteps that nearly sank his company, the systems that keep him sane today, and how empathy became his greatest leadership asset. Whether you’re in a blue-collar trade or scaling a professional service, this conversation is packed with relatable, real-world advice on protecting your business, building a loyal team, and staying grounded while you grow. You’ll learn: ✅ How Rob went from nearly losing it all to building a multimillion-dollar operation ✅ The CPA mistake that almost cost him his business—and how to choose the right financial partners ✅ Simple systems he uses now to stay compliant and focused ✅ What leading a team of 30+ taught him about loyalty and leadership ✅ Why empathy is his leadership superpower—and how he avoids burnout ✅ How professionalism creates trust, even in blue-collar industries ✅ The mindset shift that took him from hustle mode to long-term strategy 🎧 Listen in and learn from someone who’s been in the trenches—and came out stronger.

    30 分钟

  7. 9月30日

    From Doubts to Ownership – Travis Matheny – Burn Boot Camp Williamsville

    What happens when a business opportunity keeps showing up—and you finally say yes? For Travis Matheny, that moment changed everything. In this episode, Travis shares the real story behind his journey from reluctant entrepreneur to confident business owner and leader. With honesty and clarity, he breaks down the mistakes he made, the turning points that helped him grow, and the systems and mindset shifts that allowed him to scale without burning out. If you're building a team, making tough calls, or struggling to get out of the weeds in your business—this one's for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Why the third “ask” was the charm—and how saying yes at the right time launched his business - The biggest leadership mistake Travis made early on (and how he fixed it) - How to handle it when your people stop growing with you - The question he now asks himself before every hard conversation - How simple systems helped him escape reactive mode and think like a CEO - Why culture always wins—even in a saturated market - The personal habits and accountability practices that keep him grounded and growing Travis doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of entrepreneurship—but he also proves that with the right tools and mindset, you can grow a business that’s both sustainable and fulfilling. 🎧 Listen in for honest leadership lessons, growth strategies, and the kind of advice most business owners wish they heard sooner.

    29 分钟

  8. 9月23日

    From Stay-at-Home Mom to Franchise Owner – Vanessa Palumbo – Vacations by Vanessa

    In this episode, we talk with Vanessa Palumbo, franchise owner of Dream Vacations, about how she turned a background in caregiving and family management into a thriving, service-first business in one of the most competitive industries out there. Vanessa shares how she leveraged relationship-building, strategic networking, and repeatable systems—not big marketing budgets—to create consistent growth and long-term client retention. Her story is a case study in how to bet on yourself, build trust at scale, and turn everyday strengths into entrepreneurial assets. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: -Why she trained for her new business while the travel industry was shut down -How a service-first mindset helped her rise above the noise -What most people get wrong about travel agents—and how she adds value without adding cost -How she built a loyal client base through referrals, responsiveness, and trust -Why local networking (the right way) moved her business forward faster, even when it pushed her outside of her comfort zone -The backend systems and personal habits she uses to stay focused and grow sustainably If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a huge marketing machine or perfect timing to grow a business—you’ll want to hear Vanessa’s take. This episode is packed with practical insight, especially for entrepreneurs building their business from the ground up or navigating a crowded space.

    29 分钟
查看全部 213 集

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关于

If you love Western NY AND Entrepreneurship; this is the podcast for you. David Schaub interviews the top entrepreneurs in WNY about business. If you’re anything like me you want to learn from the top people in the industry. You want to learn their secrets, their failures, what really works and what doesn’t. In this podcast we get to the “nitty gritty” stuff Entrepreneurs want to know and learn. It’s great to learn from Entrepreneurs from across the world but what about the amazing people in our own backyard? Here we learn from people who live in the Western NY area and thrive here in Business

信息

  • 创作者
    David Schaub
  • 活跃年份
    2019年 - 2025年
  • 单集
    213
  • 分级
    儿童适宜
  • 版权
    © David Schaub
  • 节目网站
    WNY Entrepreneur

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