In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Ryan Miller—director of MVCC’s Thincubator, founder of Rust Belt Startup, podcaster, connector, and one of the quiet forces behind entrepreneurship and creative momentum in the Mohawk Valley. Ryan walks us through his unconventional path, from growing up in New York Mills and backpacking through Europe to music, startups, and eventually becoming someone who helps other people figure out what’s next—often before they even realize they need help.
We talk candidly about what entrepreneurship really looks like, why asking “is this a good idea?” is the wrong question, and how testing, relationships, and problem-solving matter far more than perfect plans. Ryan shares how Thincubator actually works, who it’s for, and why he believes small, culturally significant businesses—not unicorn tech startups—may be the key to long-term growth in the Mohawk Valley.
This conversation is equal parts practical and philosophical, touching on community, personal branding, proximity, creativity, and why you don’t need to leave Utica to build something meaningful. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like you’re sitting on an idea you don’t know how to start, this episode will hit home.
In this episode, we talk about:
• What the Thincubator actually does — and who should be using it
• Why relationships matter more than résumés in business and life
• How Ryan uses podcasting to build meaningful connections
• Why solving real problems beats chasing “easy” business ideas
• How the Mohawk Valley can become one of the best places in the country to start a small business
Thoughtful, honest, and full of perspective—this one is a must-listen for creatives, founders, and anyone trying to build a better future right where they are.
This is episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)
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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Ryan's Introduction
(1:15) - Life Long Mohawk Valley Resident
(2:00) - Backpacking Europe & Ithaca College
(3:50) - Bands, Kitchens & Startups
(5:00) - Starting at Thinc
(7:00) - Common Questions
(9:05) - Thincubator Overview & SBDC
(11:15) - Professional Vibe & Networking
(13:00) - Relationships > Resumes
(16:15) - Coffee & Connections
(18:15) - Founders Seeking Flexibility
(20:15) - Starting a Company
(22:30) - Rust Belt Startup Podcast
(25:25) - Common Denominator Success Habits
(28:00) - Building Your Brand Online
(29:00) - Quality Throughout Customer Journey
(30:05) - Smaller Market & Identifying White Space
(32:30) - What Does Success Look Like Here?
(33:15) - Opportunities in CNY & Cultural Significance
(35:00) - Building From the Bottom
(36:45) - Best First Step
(39:30) - Engineered Serendipity
(43:25) - Rapid Fire Questions
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Ryan's Links
RBS Website - https://rustbeltstartup.com
Thinc Website - https://thincubator.co
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thincubator
Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rust-belt-startup/id1375151705
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancmiller315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rustbeltstartup
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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org
