Building Success Stories with Ann Donnelly

In this episode, Ann speaks with Chuck Copenspire, Creative Strategist and Author, who shares his journey from overcoming social anxiety through improv to building a successful marketing business, Identity Pending.

Chuck discusses the importance of networking, authenticity in marketing, and the role of vulnerability in connecting with clients. He emphasizes the need for disruption in traditional marketing practices and the value of ...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Carrie Barber, a medical legal consultant with a rich background in nursing and healthcare.

Carrie shares her journey from being a nurse to establishing her own Medical Legal Nurse Consulting practice, discussing the challenges she faced, the importance of networking, and the fulfillment she finds in her work.

The conversation also delves into the services she...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Wendy Waldron, CEO of WaldronWorks, who shares her journey from the "corporatey" world to entrepreneurship.

Wendy discusses the importance of community, accountability, and the challenges she faced while starting her business. She emphasizes the significance of overcoming self-doubt, embracing risks, and the value of implementing the Entrepreneurial ...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly speaks with Ginny Brandreth, COO of Zobel and Co Kitchens. Ginny shares her journey from a marketing career to entrepreneurship.

Ginny, who is also the current Chair of the Women's Business Council of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, discusses the importance of networking, the challenges of starting a business, and the support available for women entrepre...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Jess Keller, a photographer who has opened a community-focused space in Glens Falls, Light & Lens Studios.

The conversation explores Jess's journey into the art of photography, the vision behind creating a space for local artists, and the importance of community engagement.

The discussion also touches on the challenges of building a sustainable busi...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews James Rubino, Co-Owner of LakeGeorgeVacay.com, a luxury vacation rental management company. They discuss the inception of the business, the unique offerings that set it apart in the market, and the importance of creating memorable experiences for guests.

James shares insights on navigating the luxury rental market, the significance of concierge services, and s...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Sheila Greco, founder and CEO of SGA Talent.

Sheila shares her journey from a bond trader to a successful recruitment entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking, research, and understanding competition in business.

The conversation covers various aspects of recruitment, including the significance of niche focus, effective strategies, and the role of n...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Johanna von Geldern, owner of Mint Farm to Table Restaurant. Mint grew a dedicated following quickly when it opened in Glens Falls in 2022 and is now expanding with a new location in Slingerlands opening in March 2025.

Johanna shares her journey into the culinary world and emphasizes the connection between food, health, and wellness.

She discusses her commitment to...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Keri Wytrwal, co-owner of Shipology, a woman-owned fulfillment center that supports small businesses in the e-commerce sector.

They discuss the origins of Shipology, the challenges faced during growth, and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in business. Keri shares insights on hiring practices, the significance of client relationships, and the exciteme...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Victoria Bushey, co-owner of Kingsbury Printing. They discuss the origins of the family business, the transition of leadership, and the importance of community engagement. Victoria shares insights on the challenges faced in the printing industry, the significance of client relationships, and the future plans for expanding their services, particularly in digital ma...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly speaks with Erica Wood and Vittoria Buzzelli from Meliora Law Firm about their journey in establishing a law firm that prioritizes collaboration, sustainability, and a supportive culture.

They discuss the challenges of starting a new business, the importance of aligning with core values and creating an approachable environment for clients.

The conversation highlights the s...

In this episode, Ann Donnelly speaks with Lourene Bouffard, Owner of Every Penny Bookkeeping & Business Services, who shares her journey from aspiring CPA to entrepreneur, detailing the challenges she faced while starting her business during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of building strong client relationships, networking, and providing tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of service-based industri...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Kevin and Neelo Jaikeran, the owners of Queensbury Billiards. They discuss their journey from Guyana to opening a unique billiards hall that offers not only pool but also a diverse menu inspired by their cultural background. The conversation highlights their commitment to customer service, community engagement, and the importance of food in attracting customers. T...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann speaks with Paula Traina, a dedicated State Farm agent with offices in Queensbury and Glens Falls who has built a thriving business rooted in community involvement and a passion for helping others. With a strong foundation in the insurance industry and a commitment to personal and professional growth, Traina has positioned herself as a trusted advisor and a valuable asset to the loca...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Nicole Rothe, a seasoned physical therapist and personal trainer. They discuss Nicole's journey in the health and wellness industry, her holistic approach to training, and the importance of community building. Nicole shares her experiences working with diverse clients, her plans for a new studio, and her unique brand identity as 'The Pink Mamba.' The conversation ...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, I speak with Riham LaRussa, owner of Saratoga-based Small Packages, a company built on the idea that gift-giving should be personal and stress-free. Riham left the corporate world to take over Small Packages in late 2022 and aims to empower customers to find the perfect gift for any occasion. 

Small Packages offers a variety of gift boxes, each filled with high-quality products, 85 perce...

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews culinary power couple Jenny and Chris Dore, who have recently taken over the Peppermill Family Restaurant in South Glens Falls. They discuss their backgrounds, the legacy of the restaurant, their vision for the future, and the importance of community engagement. Chris shares his culinary journey and the thoughtful process behind transitioning ownership, while Jenn...

In recent tourism news, Alaska raised cruise tourism limits as residents’ concerns about over-tourism grew. Over-tourism is an increasing issue in trendy tourism destinations, and one solution that will keep revenue flowing is to focus more on bringing in visitors outside the regular busy season. Unless downtime is needed for maintenance or other recovery, selling year-round is a goal of most businesses that commonly experience sea...

This week's topic is aimed at those who may not listen to podcasts, but you may have a relative or friend who could use this advice, so please spread the word!

With nearly three-quarters of the US population using social media regularly, it’s a given that digital marketing is the best way to generate leads and get more customers in almost any type of business. Yet, a few people still feel that word of mouth or small ads in the loca...