Host: Ann Donnelly

Guests:

• Brandon Crist & Max Benedetto (Equitable Financial)
• Nic Molik (ADKtechs)
• Karen Carey (Ruby Red Road)
• Alison Bohannon (Kingpin's Alley Family Fun)
• Michael Borgos (Borgos & Del Signore, P.C.)
• Kevin Porpora (Arrow Bank)

Episode Overview: Why Upstate NY is Built for Business

What makes a local business ecosystem truly thrive? In this special compilation episode of Building Success Stories, we hit the floor at "The Gathering," a premier local enterprise expo organized by Scott Cross of CROSSPOINT Realty.

Broadcasting live amidst an overwhelming community response at Moreau Commons, we uncover the undeniable truth of doing business in Upstate New York: community is everything.

We are incredibly lucky to have such a vibrant, supportive network in the Town of Moreau and its surrounding areas. In this highlight reel, Ann sits down with six distinct local leaders to discuss the local economy, retaining young talent, keeping your business secure, and why face-to-face connection remains the ultimate growth strategy.

Key Takeaways from The Expo Floor

• Brandon Crist & Max Benedetto (Equitable Financial):Brandon breaks down the necessity of customized financial planning, from navigating NYS pensions to business succession. Crucially, they discuss fee transparency and why they intentionally chose a firm that invests in the North Country rather than forcing clients to travel to Albany.
• Nic Molik (ADKtechs):Nic shares why a trusted, local IT team is vital. He discusses ADKtechs' recent move to Moreau Commons for better visibility and talent recruitment, emphasizing that providing proactive cybersecurity only works when you are deeply embedded in the community you protect.
• Karen Carey (Ruby Red Road):Karen, an intuitive life and business support coach, discusses how she helps individuals, teams, and non-profits clear blocks and upgrade their operations when they feel frustrated or stuck.
• Alison Bohannon (Kingpin's Alley Family Fun):Alison highlights how the venue is evolving to create safe, essential spaces for community bonding—from adding NFL Sunday Ticket and a private karaoke lounge to hosting massive fundraisers for local non-profits like Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• Michael Borgos (Borgos & Del Signore, P.C.):Stepping outside of legal talk, Michael provides a powerful analysis of the region's economy. He stresses the urgent need for local businesses to band together to recruit young talent, offset an aging demographic, and support seasonal entrepreneurial businesses year-round.
• Kevin Porpora (Arrow Bank):Kevin discusses the vital role of community banking. He breaks down why he strongly encourages face-to-face meetings for complex transactions like first-time mortgages and construction loans, ensuring his clients fully understand what they are getting into.

Memorable Quotes

"We wouldn't be here without the community. We wouldn't be able to do what we do without them trusting us. So it's only our responsibility to give back."

— Nic Molik (ADKtechs)

"But what we need to do is band together and go sell a region... collectively we need to go out and recruit people to move here and say, we have a space for all of you."

— Michael Borgos (Borgos & Del Signore, P.C.)

Support Local: Connect with Our Guests

• Equitable Financial:https://www.empirestate.equitableadvisors.com/team/brandon-crist
• ADKtechs:https://www.adktechs.com/
• Ruby Red Road:https://www.rubyredroad.com/
• Kingpin's Alley Family Fun:https://kingpinsalleysgf.com/
• Borgos & Del Signore, P.C.:https://www.bordellaw.com/
• Arrow Bank:https://arrowbank.mymortgage-online.com/KevinPorpora.html
• Crosspoint Realty (Event Organizer):https://www.crosspointrealtors.com/

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More from Ann Donnelly

Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist: https://anndonnelly.com

Building Success Stories podcast & articles: https://anndonnellysuccessstories.com

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