Shows
Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastLet People Know That You Care | Donna Vilano (My Mom), Retired and Former Owner of Studio 507 Hair SalonIf you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!YOU CAN REACH ME AT:Website: https://www.proprietorsofpittsburgh.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com...
2023-01-2735 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastSmall Business Roundtable Discussion | Lauren Marts, Duztin Watson, and RJ HuebertI’m pleased to welcome three incredible guests back to the show – Lauren Marts, owner of Baked True North, Duztin Watson, owner of The RiP Group, and RJ Huebert, owner of HBT Digital Consulting. In this in-depth episode, we cover a wide variety of topics, including the critical role that small businesses play in the community and how to attract and retain talented people on your team. Plus, each of our guests gives us an update on the latest developments in their businesses and current trends in their industries.If you have any questions or if you’d like...
2022-11-0447 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastSmall Business Roundtable Discussion | TJ Fairchild, Dr. Natalie Gentile, and George CookIn this all-star lineup of Pittsburgh entrepreneurs, Dr. Natalie Gentile, TJ Fairchild, and George Cook are all back on the show. We cover a wide variety of topics including the importance of investing in our local communities, when to build team, how to navigate a hybrid work environment, dealing with growth challenges, and much more. It was such a pleasure to sit down and chat with these dynamic small business owners. I was blown away by how committed they are to supporting our local communities. I know you will enjoy this enlightening discussion.If you have any...
2022-10-2253 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIntroducing Season 10 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastHello Pittsburgh. It’s your host, Darin Vilano, and I’m super excited to bring you the next season of the podcast. Season 10 is truly special. I will be bringing you some very unique episodes including a “live audience” recording, two group panels with prior guests, fascinating discussions with leading Pittsburgh entrepreneurs, and a conversation with my mom, Donna Vilano.Thanks for listening and for your support. If you’re enjoying the podcast, tell a friend. Keep spreading the word, and keep supporting our local businesses. As always, feel free to reach out to me using my contact in...
2022-09-1704 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastBe Tenacious and Committed to Your Idea | Elisabeth Leach, Co-Founder of The Women's Collective PGHWhen Elisabeth Leach met Andrea Belen-Sandhorst in late 2019, they started a conversation about what they valued most in a networking group. Both were developing their own businesses and careers, and they were interested in meeting new people. Although there were other industry-specific and leadership groups available to them, they felt that the Pittsburgh market really needed an organization that catered to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and corporate professionals in all industries and career stages. In early 2020, they launched The Women’s Collective Pittsburgh in order to fulfill their goal of creating a welcoming and powerful community for pr...
2022-06-1234 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastYou Have to Do the Work | Emily Bezak, Owner of Emily Bezak WritesEmily Bezak’s love for writing began at a young age with journaling and storytelling. She created and maintained a freelance writing business, while she developed her corporate career as a marketer and communications professional. In 2020, Emily wrote a blog post announcing that she would soon leave her job to work full time in her own business. Early that same year, she launched Emily Bezak Writes to offer a suite of social media, copywriting, content creation, and marketing services to both established and startup organizations and businesses.In this episode, Emily talks about the many gigs, jobs, an...
2022-06-0338 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastWe Manifest Our Own Reality | Jan Receski, Owner of OnPar NowAfter a successful 30-year career at prominent local company, Jan Receski was ready for a new challenge, not an early retirement. As she was contemplating her next move, inspiration struck following a poor golf club fitting experience. Selecting and trying out new equipment should be a fun and exciting time for any golfer, yet Jan left feeling underserved, misunderstood, and slightly offended. She quickly realized that the local market was lacking in golf establishments that catered to the needs of an increasing base of female players and enthusiasts.At the height of the pandemic in early 2021, Jan...
2022-05-1436 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastGet Out of Your Own Way | James Mauler, Founder of CadneticsJames Mauler was still early in his career when he decided to leave college and take a more hands-on approach with his education. Instead of completing a five-year degree in architecture, Jim realized that he could achieve his professional and financial goals by putting his drafting skills to work on the job. As an example, when computer-aided design (CAD) software was still in its infancy, he was the first person in his firm to volunteer to learn how to use it. This made him a go-to resource in the company, and it gave him the confidence he needed to...
2022-05-0836 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastStart With Why | Patrick Colletti, Refounder of Net HealthIn the beginning of his career at Net Health, Patrick Colletti was faced with an unexpected opportunity and a steep hill to climb. It was the early 2000s and the company was teetering on the edge of collapse when board members asked him and another colleague if they wanted one last shot at turning it around. With a lack of job prospects in the wake of 9/11, Patrick felt that he had nothing to lose in giving it a try. The first few years were rough, but their newly organized team eventually got the business on solid ground. Today, Net...
2022-05-0140 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastBe as Real as Possible | Jess Iacullo, Founder of Hungry Jess Big CityJess Iacullo started her brand, Hungry Jess Big City, as a passion project. It also served to give her a leg up on internship opportunities while she was a student at the University of Pittsburgh. Little did she know at the time but in a few short years her Instagram page would explode to over 35,000 followers. After working with a number of noteworthy media companies, such as Forbes, Business Insider, Food Network, and Discovery Plus, Jess realized that her increasing online popularity may be an avenue for her to explore entrepreneurship.In 2018, after moving back to Pittsburgh...
2022-04-2338 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastGet Clear With What You Want | Adam Williams, Founder of Rust Belt Business LawDeep in his heart, Adam Williams always knew that he was an entrepreneur. After a relatively short stint working for others, he decided that it was time to hang his own shingle. At first, like with many startups, Adam launched his business as a side gig. But six months later, he was making more money working for himself than at his regular job, plus he had all of the gratification that came with operating his own business. What first began as the Law Office of Adam Williams has been cleverly rebranded as Rust Belt Business Law.As...
2022-04-1644 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastTake It One Step at a Time | Dr. Shayla Cammarata, Owner of Ignite YogaAn intensive weeklong yoga teacher training in Costa Rica served as a major turning point in Dr. Shayla Cammarata’s relationship to her yoga practice. She was dealing with several very difficult circumstances in her personal and professional life, and this retreat proved to provide the breakthrough that she needed. Upon her return, she embraced yoga wholeheartedly and committed herself to the practice. When her home studio in Wexford closed during the pandemic, Dr. Shayla and many others from that community decided that they had to do something about it.In 2021, with the support her fellow yoga in...
2022-04-0234 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastSurround Yourself With People Who Share Similar Goals | Sydney Smyers, Co-Owner of The Maverick Co-Working SpaceSydney Smyers is a serial entrepreneur with three businesses under her belt. Her latest venture, The Maverick Co-Working Space, is a modern and comfortable co-working office located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. She and her husband did the bulk of the renovation work to get the location cleaned up and opened in the fall of 2021. The result is a bright, colorful, and flexible space that inspires creativity and productivity. In this episode, Sydney talks about what it’s like to be a partner in multiple businesses and how the idea for The Maverick came to life.If...
2022-03-2736 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIntroducing Season 9 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastHey, everyone. Season 9 is here! It’s full of in-depth conversations and inspiring stories that I know you will enjoy.Sydney Smyers, owner of The Maverick Co-Working Space, talks about the need for co-working locations in the suburbs. Dr. Shayla Cammarata, owner of Ignite Yoga, describes the important role that yoga studios play in the community. Jess Iacullo, founder of Hungry Jess Big City, tells the story of how a college side project exploded into a brand and business with a huge Instagram following. Adam Williams, founder of Rust Belt Business Law, explains why he chose to ta...
2022-03-1904 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastSmall Business Roundtable Discussion | Kristen Ricupero, Wendy Gilch, and Jessie TaitKristen Ricupero, owner of Financial Fitness Coaching, Wendy Gilch, owner of SellingLater.com, and Jessie Tait, owner of Enspra, are my guests for this small business roundtable episode. All three of them have been on the show previously, and each contributes generously to a dynamic, relevant, and entertaining discussion. Some of the many topics we cover include lessons learned from business mistakes, how to recession-proof your business, setting an example for your kids as a mompreneur, and ideas for adapting to the realities of the current labor market. Please enjoy this episode, and keep the ideas coming for guests...
2022-03-1356 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastSmall Business Roundtable Discussion | Matt Marietti, John Vella, and Fiore MoletzI’m excited to debut a new interview format that I plan to bring you periodically throughout the year. Many of you have reached out to me asking for updates on previous guests. There has also been tremendous interest in hearing from small business owners with respect to current events and topics. So, I decided to sit down with several of our very own podcast alumni to get their take on what’s happening out there. In this first small business roundtable discussion, Matt Marietti, owner of de Fer Coffee and Tea, Fiore Moletz, co-owner of Burgh’ers Bre...
2022-03-011h 04Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDarin's Guest Appearance on the Evolution of Brand PodcastI had an amazing time sharing my story on Evolution of Brand, a podcast created and hosted by Jason Cercone. People often ask me why I created the Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast. In fact, it’s one of the most frequently asked questions that I receive from listeners and guests. So, it was incredible to be able to talk with Jason in detail about my ideas and the passion that I have for my work. As you will hear in our conversation, the podcast is a culmination of three things that I love and that inspire me on a da...
2022-02-1845 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastKeep Moving Until You Find a Way | Corry Smith, Owner of CorEats | LIVE Podcast EventCorEats, a packaged food company founded by Corry Smith, had its roots in her family’s health journey which began fifteen years ago. What started as a series of strange systems experienced by her eldest daughter turned into major dietary and wellness changes for everyone in the household. Replacing the standard American diet with a whole foods diet turned out to be the difference maker they were searching for. Corry’s dissatisfaction with many of the gluten-free options she found in the supermarket served as inspiration to create her own versions of the comfort foods that her family enjoyed.
2022-02-1049 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastUse Your Fear to Motivate Yourself | Edgar Snyder, Founder of Edgar Snyder & AssociatesAlthough Edgar Snyder is a Pittsburgher who needs no introduction, his personal and professional story may surprise you. In his candid conversation with me, Edgar talks about the challenges he went through and the negativity he endured as a result of doing something new and different in the legal profession. With the abundance of legal advertising today, it’s easy for us to forget just how unique this was in the early 1980s when he was starting Edgar Snyder and Associates. A landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in the late 1970s made advertising for lawyers permissible, which opened up...
2022-01-2857 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIntroducing Season 8 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastHello, Pittsburgh. I’m excited to introduce a brand-new season for you – and it’s jam-packed with unique episodes and bonus content. Season 8 has been an incredible one for me to record and produce, and I can’t wait to share the full episodes with you.I had the great honor and privilege of interviewing attorney, Edgar Snyder - a person that I admire for the firm he has built, the trail he has blazed, and the philanthropic work he has done in Pittsburgh. I’ve been watching Edgar Snyder on TV since I was a kid, and I’m su...
2022-01-2005 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastHonesty Is Always the Best Policy | Matt Dayton, Co-Owner of Pure AirAfter working for a number of years in the mold remediation industry, Matt Dayton decided that it was time to start his own company. He saw an opportunity to offer both an affordable and high-quality service to the many low-income households that were being neglected in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He grew up in a low-income household, so he knew that these were the very people that needed this type of service the most.Matt grew tired of watching underserved families get priced out the market while competitors catered to the high-income end of the price range...
2021-12-3138 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastRunning a Business Is About More Than Just Following a Passion | Russell Michelson, Owner of Paper Box SEOAfter a short stint working in a corporate job, Russell Michelson knew that he wanted to start his own business. He just had to figure out where to focus his energy and skill development. He gravitated to technology, but he quickly realized that website design wasn’t his thing. Instead, search engine optimization offered the opportunity to work in tech and the challenge of using analytical skills in order to master this incredibly complex domain.When he relocated to Pittsburgh, Russell also created Free Pittsburgh Walking Tours, a name-your-own-price walking tour company that presented a unique business mo...
2021-12-1934 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastSometimes You Just Have to Take a Chance | Sara Ponsoll, Owner of Boheme PittsburghSara Ponsoll applied her years of experience working the craft and maker markets of NYC when she launched Boheme Pittsburgh earlier this summer. Operating Kitschtopia, her vintage jewelry business, taught her a great deal about what it takes to create a thriving venture as a curator in the world of artisan and one-of-a-kind items.Sara saw that Pittsburgh was lacking a unique space that could serve as a launchpad for local makers, designers, and curators. She created Boheme Pittsburgh to cater to the increasing demand for unique and local merchandise while providing mentorship for the many talented...
2021-12-0241 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastNever Be Afraid to Pivot | Sarah Kaminski, Owner of Best Ever GranolaDuring the pandemic, Sarah Kaminski successfully pivoted her business from The Veg Out Project to Best Ever Granola. After multiple iterations, she eventually nailed the final recipe which she and her family affectionately dubbed as the “best ever.”As a brand-new food entrepreneur, Sarah approached her business with a fresh perspective and without overthinking her strategy. She quickly realized that there was a need in the local market for an artisan-made, small batch granola. Today, Sarah is committed to using only wholesome, clean, and simple ingredients in her products.If you have any questions or if y...
2021-11-2037 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastSet Yourself Apart From the Competition | John Graf, Owner of the Priory Hospitality GroupIn 1984, John Graf’s parents purchased a condemned monastery and church in the Deutschtown neighborhood. After pouring lots of hard work, passion, and money into the project, they were able save the properties and turn them into a beautiful hotel and event space. After a massive renovation and addition in 2011, the Priory Hotel now consists of 42 rooms and the Grand Hall at the Priory has become a mainstay for weddings and special events in the city. In recent years, John has added to his company’s portfolio by purchasing the Mansions on Fifth Hotel in Shadyside.Today, John...
2021-11-0535 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDo What Is Authentic to You | Natalie Gentile, M.D., Co-Founder of Direct Care Physicians of PittsburghAs Natalie Gentile, M.D. was planning to move back to Pittsburgh with her family, she began searching for a way to practice medicine that fit her desire for a patient-focused approach. The type of comprehensive and wellness-centered care that she was interested in seemed to be disappearing from modern clinical medicine. Through conversations she had with her mentor, she discovered the direct primary care (DPC) practice model. By cutting out insurance companies and third parties from influencing medical decisions, this alternative format for primary care medicine meant that Dr. Natalie could focus her time and energy on lifestyle...
2021-10-3036 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastFind a Partner to Compliment Your Skill Set | Kelly Sanders & Monica Yope, Owners of love, PittsburghIn 2017, Kelly Sanders and Monica Yope met at a tech conference. As the two lone, non-tech creatives in the room, they quickly became friends. As they got to know each other, they discovered their common passion for supporting local makers. Inspired by a shared vision, they realized that the city needed a physical space to showcase the abundance of talent in our region. So, they decided to turn the building that Monica found in Mt. Washington into their first love, Pittsburgh location.Fast forward four years and Kelly and Monica now operate three locations throughout the city...
2021-10-2334 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastKnow What You're Getting Into | Derek Davies, Owner of Cafe ConmigoDerek’s inspiration to create Café Conmigo originated from a trip he took to Argentina. It was there that he fell in love with a quaint little cafe, which featured delicious coffee served in a tranquil space and enveloped with ample arrangements of lush green plants. During his time in college, he developed a further affection for Latin American culture through the relationships he nurtured with his many Spanish-speaking friends. Although he attended school in Austin, Texas, he felt as though he was studying abroad due to the highly diverse make-up of the student body. The name of Derek’s cof...
2021-10-1537 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastGo Get It | Mark Caskey, Founder of Steel NationIn 2008, Mark Caskey took a risk and left his employer and the coal industry he knew so well in order to make a fresh start in the oil and gas industry. Frustrated that his former company didn’t want to take advantage of the Marcellus Shale natural gas field that had recently started to develop, Mark launched his own firm called Steel Nation. He began with just $6,000 and the ability to design and oversee the construction of specialty steel buildings. Natural gas involves a different set of processes from coal, so Mark had to quickly learn the inner workings of...
2021-10-0835 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIntroducing Season 7 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastHello, Pittsburghers. The line-up for Season 7 is impressive. I will be talking to Mark Caskey, founder of Steel Nation – a remarkable company that designs and constructs steel buildings in the oil and gas industry. I also have Derek Davies on the show. He is the owner of Café Conmigo – a tranquil oasis and gathering spot located in the North Hills. I sit down with Kelly Sanders and Monica Yope, owners of the love, Pittsburgh stores, which are wonderfully curated shops featuring locally made goods. I talk to Dr. Natalie Gentile, founder and owner of Gentile Family Direct Primary Care – a medic...
2021-10-0302 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastThe Ability to Adapt Is More Important Than Ever | Mike Sharp, Guest HostIf the past year and a half has taught us anything, it’s that the ability and willingness to change are critical attributes for every business owner. Adaptation is important to survival, and it’s always been a mantra in modern business. But the pandemic has challenged us more than any other event in recent times. The really interesting thing is that entrepreneurs who are growth oriented and open to ideas tend to have an advantage when faced with change under difficult circumstances. In other words, they are not overly romantic about their business concepts. Instead, they are more inte...
2021-09-2738 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastWhy Every Entrepreneur Is Also a Salesperson | Mike Sharp, Guest HostIf you own a business, then the inevitable reality is that you are also a salesperson. You may not think of yourself as one, and you probably didn’t get into business to hone your sales skills, but this is a fact of entrepreneurship. Understanding this distinction can mean the difference between starting fast or slow during the critical early days of a company’s life. The good news is that “sales” no longer has to mean high-pressure tactics or sleight of hand designed to get people to buy. Those days are over, and consumers see right through the tricks...
2021-09-0933 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastThe Power of Mindset | Mike Sharp, Guest HostMike Sharp, owner of the Sharp Insurance Agency, is back on the show in this new Season 6, but this time he is a “guest host.” In this episode, we discuss the book “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. During a recent phone call, we both realized that we just read it and thought it would make an excellent topic to kick off this new season. The book is full of powerful insights as it pertains to business, relationships, parenting, and really all aspects of life. If you haven’t read the book, it’s okay. We review the highlights a...
2021-09-0143 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIntroducing Season 6 and the State of the Podcast | Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastHey, Pittsburghers! I just wanted to say a few words about the pandemic, the state of the podcast, and what we’ve all been through this past year-and-a half. Season 5, which I started at the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, has been a season of learning and adaptation. Like everyone else, I had to figure out how to go virtual and remote with my work and art. I’m so proud of the episodes in Season 5. If you want to get a feel for how the pandemic has affected many of our small businesses, just listen to these epis...
2021-08-2502 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastAssemble a Great Team From the Start | Matt Blistan, Owner of The Blistan GroupGrowing up, Matt Blistan was surrounded by family members who would play an instrumental role in his choice of career. His uncle, father, and grandfather each taught him lessons in finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship. As someone who was attracted to business and eventually starting his own company, Matt decided to work in the accounting field, as it is universally known as the “language of business.” He felt that this would give him a solid foundation and a variety of options as his career progressed. A few years after college, he took his commitment to accounting a step further by beco...
2021-08-0134 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastContinue to Work on Yourself | Karen Bartos, Owner of Luxe de Fleur Boudoir PhotographyKaren Bartos became fascinated with photography at the age of nine when she received her first camera. Her love for the art form grew with her discovery of Ansel Adams, which inspired her own landscape work. Years later, she was asked by friends if she would consider taking their son’s high school senior photos. Karen decided to give it a try, and she instantly felt drawn to the connection of working with people. After seven years of senior photography, she began to realize that the mothers of her subjects needed some pampering and attention too. This gave her th...
2021-07-2333 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDon't Get Discouraged Too Quickly | Jason Cercone, Owner of Cercone ConsultingJason Cercone’s experience with podcasting expanded in 2019 when he launched the Breaking Brews Podcast. He transitioned his existing blog, which he started in 2014 to highlight the business side of the craft beer industry, into a podcast format in order to take advantage of the rapid growth happening in audio. With the arrival of the pandemic in 2020 and its subsequent slowdown of the food and beverage industry, Jason had the opportunity to reevaluate his career choices. Although he remained intrigued with the beer business, his work as a podcaster allowed him to develop an even greater passion. He began to...
2021-07-1540 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastFind Something That Moves You | Katy and Jose Rosa, Owners of Everest EatsWhen Katy and Jose Rosa found themselves out of work in 2019, they decided to try something completely different. After years of working in oil and gas, they were worn out by the ups and downs of such a cyclical industry. Much to Jose’s surprise, Katy had just started to feed their family 100% plant-based meals. He couldn’t believe how great the food tasted and how good he felt, so he naturally wanted to share it with extended family and friends. It was right around this time that they were asked to cater a company event. That evening, their food...
2021-06-3035 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDon't Overcomplicate What You're Doing | Kelly Bender, Owner of Total Business SolutionsTen years ago, Kelly Bender was a single mother looking for a flexible way to continue her career in tax advising. After exploring several options, she decided that entrepreneurship was the right path for her, and she launched Total Business Solutions. Kelly eventually remarried, and her husband joined her in the practice. Over the years, several of their children have also worked in the business in various capacities. Recently, Total Business Solutions expanded with an acquisition of an accounting firm in Butler, PA, which will provide ample growth opportunities for their staff.Kelly is an enrolled agent...
2021-06-2332 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDo Your Research Before Starting a Business | Sara Makin, Founder of Makin WellnessSara Makin has always been an entrepreneur at heart. As a kid, she didn’t just run a lemonade stand. She did door-to-door lemonade delivery as a way to boost her sales! Sara was probably on track to go to business school and create the next big startup when she found herself in a battle with depression. Her life-changing experience with therapy and dealing with her own mental illness made her realize that she wanted others to achieve the same breakthroughs. After completing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Duquesne University and obtaining the requisite work experience, Sara...
2021-06-1834 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastNovel Experiences Will Help You as an Entrepreneur | Samantha Post, Co-Owner of T&M Hardware & RentalSamantha Post is a second-generation co-owner of T&M Hardware & Rental, which was started by her parents in 1991. The “T&M” stands for Tim and Mary, and they raised their four kids in the family business. After a career of moving around the U.S. with his employer, Tim decided that it was time to move back to the Pittsburgh area and put his skills to work in his own business. They evaluated several opportunities, but ultimately, Tim and Mary decided to turn around a struggling hardware store in Ellwood City. This formula proved to be the right approach, and...
2021-06-1036 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastTake Time to Recharge | Gina Vensel, Owner of Easy Street PGH and Co-Founder of Plant Media ProjectGina Vensel is a multifaceted entrepreneur who is involved in several organizations and numerous projects. In 2006, she started Easy Street Promotions, an event planning and marketing company. Her love for music inspired her to create Live Music PGH, an online database of Pittsburgh-area bands and DJs, which makes it easier for us to stay connected to our favorite local artists. Gina has also been involved in marketing and organizing TEDx Pittsburgh over the past six years. Her love for building relationships and creating community is evident in all that she does.Gina’s most recent venture is Pl...
2021-05-3138 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastBe Authentic and Be You | Ruthann Bowen, Owner of Wix DesignHerRuthann Bowen started her career in public relations, which was a natural fit given her personality and interests. After a twenty-year hiatus to raise her children, she decided to get back into the workforce by starting her own agency. A few years in, Ruthann realized just how much the industry had changed during her absence. The daunting task of building relationships from scratch, coupled with the challenges of being a generalist, caused her to rethink her approach. During this time, her involvement with a web design project for a local school sparked a new idea for her business.
2021-05-2135 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastWork on Yourself Every Day of Your Life | Duztin Watson, Owner of The RiP GroupDuztin Watson’s military career has influenced his leadership style and mindset, but it’s not the only thing that defines him. In our conversation, he was clear to point out that his military experience is just one part of his lifelong journey, which has been characterized by many ups and downs along the way. The series of sales and business development roles he held after reacclimating to civilian life were instrumental to developing the confidence and skills he needed to start and build his own company.Duztin knew that the security industry, which is defined by prot...
2021-05-0737 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastBe Open and Share Your Knowledge | RJ Huebert, Owner of HBT Digital ConsultingRJ Huebert, a Pennsylvania native, started his marketing career in the Tampa Bay / St. Petersburg area after finishing graduate school at the University of South Florida. It was there that he decided to put his entrepreneurial instincts to work by creating, organizing, and marketing several 5K races. The excitement and sense of accomplishment he received from developing these events fueled his passion for eventually starting his own marketing firm. In 2019, a few years after returning back to the Pittsburgh area, he launched HBT Digital Consulting.RJ’s firm specializes in digital marketing services, which encompasses online ad sp...
2021-04-2734 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastStay True to Your Moral Compass | John Waldron, Founder of Waldron Private WealthIn 1990, John Waldron had his “light bulb” moment. After working with a potential client to create a comprehensive tax, investment, and business restructuring strategy, John was asked by the client to execute the plan. There was only one problem. Regulations in place prohibited accounting firms from engaging in securities transactions on behalf of clients. Six months later, John left his Big Six accounting firm position to start his own private wealth management company. At the time, an independent fee-based investment management practice was a disruptive and cutting-edge concept. John’s entrepreneurial instincts were proven correct, and today, this business model...
2021-04-1435 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDon't Be Afraid to Ask for Help | Kristen Ricupero, Owner of Financial Fitness CoachingIn 2013, Kristen Ricupero reached a turning point as her mounting debt finally reached a level where it could no longer be ignored. It was at that moment that she decided to educate herself on the subject of personal finances and to put a plan into place to take control of her spending. Within eighteen months, she freed herself from more than $25,000 of consumer debt. The feeling was liberating and exhilarating, and she wanted others to have this same experience. In 2016, Kristen started Financial Fitness Coaching to help small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve their financial goals while eliminating financial...
2021-04-0236 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastMake Sure You Have a Support Team | Michael Wholihan, Associate Director of the Pitt Small Business Development CenterMichael Wholihan is the Associate Director of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center. This important non-profit organization is part of a wider network of small business development centers that span the nation and fall under the leadership of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Pitt SBDC is a vital resource for local small business owners and entrepreneurs, and the vast majority of their services are provided free of charge. As we continue to face the challenges of the pandemic, the Pitt SBDC has been a steadfast ally in helping to support our local economy....
2021-03-2734 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastRemember to Bring Joy to Whatever You Offer | Naomi Hoppel, Owner of the Pittsburgh Juice CompanyNaomi Hoppel’s love for design and the use of space led her to a career in architecture. She earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the profession, although graduating into a difficult job market in the wake of the 2007 – 2008 financial crisis gave her reason to consider alternate options. Naomi had always been interested in volunteering for the Peace Corps, and this seemed like the perfect time to do it. After two years of service in Peru as a community development consultant, she returned home to Pittsburgh.Naomi expected her time back home to be tempo...
2021-03-1537 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDarin's Guest Appearance on The Third Growth Option PodcastThis week, I have a special treat for you. Recently, I was a guest on The Third Growth Option Podcast hosted by Benno Duenkelsbuehler. I had the opportunity to talk about growing up in a family of small business owners and the influence it had on my life. I’ve wanted to be a business owner from the time that I was a kid. We didn’t really say “entrepreneur” in the 1980s in my little town. That would have sounded too highbrow. We’ve certainly come a long way since then! Even though I had plenty of role models as...
2021-03-1035 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastSet Achievable Goals | Will Winter, Owner of Winter Accounting & AdvisingWill Winter always felt that at some point he would own his own business. After relocating to Pittsburgh with his wife and family, he endured long commutes to work in the city. One day, he called the small accounting practice that he drove by on his route to the office, which led to his acquisition of the business. Will quickly realized the stark differences between working for a large accounting firm and running a solo practice. But he instantly felt connected to the work, because he was directly helping the types of small business owners that originally inspired him...
2021-03-0229 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastThe Secret to Doing What You Want Is to Start Doing the Work | Jeff Lovett, Co-Owner of Lovett SundriesWhen Jeff Lovett and his wife moved from New York City to southeastern Ohio, they got back in touch with small-town living. It was the early 2000s, and the DIY movement was in full swing. The Lovetts experimented with things like home brewing and soapmaking, among many other endeavors. Whenever they shared their soaps and lotions with people, they received overwhelmingly positive feedback. People loved the fact that the products actually worked, and that they were comprised of simple, clean ingredients that they could trust. The Lovetts realized they were onto something, and even though they had no prior...
2021-02-1530 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDo Something That Adds Value to the Market | Jessie Tait, Owner of EnspraWhen the pandemic temporarily shut down her home inspection business, Jessie Tait started looking for a way to give back to the community. She wanted to feel useful in a time of need, so she began volunteering to clean police vehicles at her local precinct. She felt like she was doing good work, but she didn’t like the fact that the traditional sanitizing methods she used only meant that the vehicle was clean until someone sick came in contact with it. Was it possible that there was a product that could protect an area for a longer period of...
2021-02-0530 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastChange Is the Only Constant in Life | Priya Amin, Founder of FlexableWhen Priya Amin had her first child, the trajectory of her career was forever changed. After two years as a stay-at-home mom, she decided that she wanted to get back into the workforce. That’s when she experienced firsthand just how hard it was to obtain accessible and reliable childcare as a working parent. Determined to solve her own problem, Priya decided to turn this challenge into a business opportunity. In 2016, after joining AlphaLab’s accelerator program, she and her business partner launched Flexable.Flexable addresses the growing need to provide on-demand and pop-up childcare solutions to busy...
2021-01-3033 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDon't Try to Be Perfect | Wendy Gilch, Owner of SellingLater.comA few years ago, Wendy Gilch and her husband were “move-up” buyers. They were selling a townhome and building a dream home for their growing family. This experience left Wendy frustrated, confused, and anxious about the entire process. Feeling rushed, they sold their townhome too fast and ended up moving twice. Although the real estate industry claimed to be looking out for consumers, Wendy felt that the whole process was built around benefiting real estate-related companies all along the value chain. If homebuyers and sellers were the lifeblood of the industry, why didn’t they have more control? This questi...
2021-01-2333 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastHave Patience to Develop Your Skills | Mark Mammone & Joe Bardakos, Co-Owners of Bridge City BrineryMark Mammone learned the art and science of fermentation while living in Los Angeles. As an aspiring actor, he practiced his culinary skills during downtime between gigs. After trying his hand at kimchi and making several batches of pickles, he decided to pick up a few books to really study and learn the fermentation process. Although he had some modest success as an actor, Mark ultimately decided to move back to Pittsburgh and put his heart into a restaurant career.At his new job with Piccolo Forno in Lawrenceville, Mark met Joe Bardakos, and the two became...
2021-01-1535 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastKeep at It When Things Get Tough | John Tarallo, Owner of Steel City Salt CompanyJohn Tarallo was young when he discovered that salt could be mixed with herbs and spices to create unique flavors. His Sicilian grandfather often used an imported salt blend on his favorite dishes. This experience left an impression on John, as he realized the impact that spices could have on the taste of food. John grew up in a large family where gathering around the kitchen table for Sunday dinners and home-cooked meals was a way of life. He was raised by a family of small business owners, so it seemed natural that he would eventually try his hand...
2020-12-3134 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastEntrepreneurship Is a Long-Term Commitment | George Cook, Co-Founder of Honeycomb CreditGeorge Cook comes from a long line of community bankers. His family has operated a small community bank in the Somerset, PA area for approximately 130 years. While he was earning his MBA at Dartmouth College, he met Ken Martin, an investment banker and main street business owner who would eventually become his co-founder in Honeycomb Credit. They both realized from their own experiences that there was a growing hole in the small business banking segment, due to the declining numbers of community banks across the country. Their goal was to bring back relationship banking to the small businesses that...
2020-12-1738 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDon't Take Anyone for Granted | Ian Rosenberger, Founder of Thread InternationalThe 2010 earthquake in Haiti had a lasting effect on Ian Rosenberger. During his volunteer trip to the devastated Caribbean nation, he kept a journal of his experiences there. One of his journal entries stated simply, “if Haiti could turn trash into money equals good.” This idea planted the seed for what would become Thread International. Five years and many iterations later, Ian and his small team learned how to make fabric out of recycled plastic and they landed their first global collaboration partner, Timberland. In 2019, Thread International’s material licensing brand became First Mile, aptly named for its focus on the...
2020-12-0136 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastSurround Yourself With Excellent People | Fiore Moletz, Founder of Burgh'ers BrewingIn 2008, Fiore Moletz noticed that there was a gap in the Pittsburgh culinary scene. The city needed a gourmet burger restaurant that used high-quality beef and ingredients served in a friendly, hometown atmosphere. There was only one problem. He didn’t have the money to get it off the ground. It took two years of saving, plenty of hard work, and finding the right partners to finally open Burgh’ers in 2010. Several years later, Fiore added a second location in Lawrenceville, but he realized that something was missing. The dream of adding craft brews to the menu began when Fior...
2020-11-1934 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDon't Wait for the Right Time | Mike Sharp, Owner of Sharp Insurance AgencyMike Sharp didn’t let the pandemic stop him from starting his own independent insurance agency. In August 2020, he realized his dream and opened the doors to his office in the Brentwood borough. Both he and his wife did the bulk of the renovation work to the space, which needed considerable upgrading before they could open to the public. Mike’s experience as a sales agent, manager, and recruiter with two large national insurance companies has given him the confidence and depth of knowledge necessary to build his own firm. His choice of creating an independent agency allows him to p...
2020-11-0636 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastFollow Your Heart | Linda MacMurdo, Owner of The BANTU CollectionLinda MacMurdo’s journey began in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was there that she was born to an African mother and a native Pittsburgh father who was also a Peace Corps volunteer. Linda spent much of her young childhood in various African nations, as her father moved the family from place to place for work. Civil and political unrest in Africa eventually led her family back to the U.S. Two years ago, Linda decided to honor her African heritage by starting The BANTU Collection, an online boutique featuring custom-designed and handmade clothing, home décor, and acc...
2020-10-2630 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastAlways Expect the Unexpected | Ben Smith, Co-Owner of Reclamation Brewing CompanyWhen Ben Smith and his father opened Reclamation Brewing Company in Butler, PA in 2015, it became the first brewery to operate in Butler County since the days of Prohibition. After years of disappointment with the mass-produced, watered-down beers that most bars and restaurants offered, the Smiths decided to once again “reclaim the good name of beer” and open their own establishment. Their mission is to show the public that craft beer doesn’t have to be pretentious or snobby. Instead, they set out to demonstrate that everyday beer can be delicious, enjoyable, and approachable for all who are willing to giv...
2020-10-1732 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastYou Have to Be Good at What You Do | John Vella, Owner of The John Vella SalonJohn Vella discovered his interest in hairstyling at the tender age of 13 when he helped his mother fix a haircut that she wasn’t happy with. After high school, he went on to cosmetology school in Pittsburgh to learn the trade that he hoped would fund his way through college. His love for hairdressing blossomed, and it ultimately took precedence over his plans to become an accountant. John’s first job was with Horne’s Department Store, and he quickly rose through the ranks in his corporate position, which eventually brought him to the West Coast. His passion and drive...
2020-10-0937 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastJust Get Started | Alan Mabry & Sean Bailey, Co-Founders of Upstream CodingAfter participating in a coding boot camp in California, Alan Mabry was hooked on the idea of teaching and mentoring students to upgrade their skills and bring new products and ideas to life. Shortly after this experience, he moved back to Pittsburgh invigorated and excited to get started on his new business idea. In 2018, Alan Mabry, Josh Studl, and Sean Bailey founded Upstream Coding with the fundamental premise that programming, coding, and web development should be affordable and accessible to all who wish to learn. Each of the co-founders brought a unique set of skills and experiences to the...
2020-09-3033 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDon't Take No for an Answer | Jen Urich, Owner of Farmer x BakerJen Urich didn’t just start a new café. She started a new café out of an upcycled shipping container in a public park, while growing many of her own herbs and vegetables. Needless to say, starting the first shipping container restaurant in Western Pennsylvania presented numerous challenges and obstacles, not the least of which was finding the right location and meeting the stringent requirements of the health department. Jen and her husband, who tackled much of retrofitting and design, often ran into difficulties trying to apply the rigid rules to their tiny, non-traditional space. Jen didn’t take “no” for...
2020-09-2225 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastThere Is Power in Partnerships | Gregg Zegarelli, Owner of Technology & Entrepreneurial Ventures Law GroupWhen Gregg Zegarelli founded Technology & Entrepreneurial Ventures Law Group in 1990, not only was his firm’s name unique, but so was his approach to building his practice. He was one of the first lawyers in Pennsylvania to advertise under the category of computer law. Today, Gregg focuses on the transactional areas of corporate and intellectual property law, but he also has considerable experience in litigation where he has represented clients in several high-profile technology disputes. Borings v. Google, which was the first case brought against Google’s Street View technology platform, is one of these landmark cases that we disc...
2020-09-1434 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastNow Is the Time to Get Creative | Christina Dickerson, Owner of Dickerson Creative CommunicationsChristina Dickerson, owner of Dickerson Creative Communications, is a media relations, digital marketing, and event planning expert. Her impressive list of clients includes local celebrities, professional athletes, non-profit organizations, Pittsburgh-based corporations, and entrepreneurs. Dickerson Creative Communications has been involved in many of the area’s leading events including The Jerome Bettis Caring for Kids Gala and The First Tee of Pittsburgh, which featured President George W. Bush in 2016. She is also a co-founder of Savor Pittsburgh, a celebration of our region’s amazing culinary scene and an important fundraising event for Magee-Womens Research Institute.Before moving to Pitt...
2020-09-0633 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastBe Open to Change | Janna Hockenjos, Owner of Inhale Yoga TogetherWhile living in New York City, Janna Hockenjos rediscovered yoga. Although she first encountered it as a teenager, this time around she developed a deep connection and mature love for the practice. City life was exciting and full of challenges. A busy social calendar, attending graduate school at New York University, and starting a career as a budding magazine journalist all added to the mounting pressures that she faced. It was at this point that she began to look for an outlet to release stress. One day, Janna walked into a yoga class and everything changed. Eventually, she set...
2020-08-2925 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastStop Working on Your Product and Just Go Sell It | Dr. Ben Schmidt, Co-Founder of RoadBoticsAs co-founder and president of RoadBotics, Benjamin Schmidt, PhD leads a dynamic team in the rapidly growing “GovTech” space. RoadBotics offers artificial intelligence-based road infrastructure assessments for governments around the world. By leveraging standard smartphone camera and app technology, which is paired with cloud access, they are able to deliver their product in an accessible and easy-to-use format. Most governments struggle to maintain their road networks because the process is too cumbersome, time consuming, and subjective. The robust imagery, reporting tools, and data generated by RoadBotics allows for objective decision-making and planning by those responsible for infrastructure maintenance and mana...
2020-08-2331 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastFocus on Your Why | Emma Ferrick, Owner of ELF OperationsWhen Emma Ferrick started ELF Operations last fall, she didn’t expect to go full-time in her own business so quickly and in the early stages of a global pandemic. It just so happened that the economic shutdown this spring presented the perfect opportunity for her to dive head-first into her new venture, which was created to provide operational support, technology implementation, and business management services for solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. As a single mother with enormous responsibilities, ELF Operations gives Emma the flexibility and freedom she needs to structure her work schedule so that she can ac...
2020-08-1530 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastExcitement is Contagious | Luke Cypher, Owner of Blue SparrowIn sailor tattoo culture, a bird represents a significant event or milestone in one’s travels. For Luke Cypher, the food truck business that he started five years ago, aptly named Blue Sparrow, is his great adventure. Globally inspired flavors and ingredients form the basis for accessible and unique street cart dishes. Luke’s food journey has taken him many places, including culinary school and gigs at Market District and Piccolo Forno in Lawrenceville. He also took a detour for a while to help with a local Pittsburgh church plant where his passions for community, music, and food all came...
2020-08-0827 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIf I Can Do It, You Can Do It | Emily Bonk, Owner of Up in SudsEmily Bonk was introduced to soap making at the age of 14. Her kitchen was the center of activity for the hobby shared by her mother, aunt, and friends of the family. These warm memories would later fuel her passion to start her own handmade soap business in 2019. But making the choice to go full-time as a business owner wasn’t as easy as it sounds. Emily was just a few credits shy of an associate’s degree when she came to a crossroads. Should she move on to a four-year program and further commit to becoming a teacher? Should she...
2020-08-0130 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastShare Your Story | Dr. Tammy Washington, Owner of Sea Moss Gel LadyDr. Tammy Washington’s ongoing quest for healthy superfoods led to her discovery of Irish sea moss. After teaching herself how to prepare it and turn it into a gel, she realized that her initial batch was much larger than she needed. So, like any good entrepreneur, Dr. Tammy set out to see if anyone in her social circle and community wanted to give it a try. To her surprise, the response was overwhelming. It didn’t take long for her to realize that she was on to something.After declaring herself the “Sea Moss Gel Lady,” she bega...
2020-07-2536 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastCollaboration Over Competition | Lauren Marts, Owner of Baked True NorthShortly after getting married, Lauren Marts decided to give a gluten-free diet a try. Her husband suffered from gluten intolerance, so Lauren often found herself getting creative in the kitchen with gluten-free alternatives. Growing up, she spent many hours baking with her grandma, so cooking and preparing food held a special place in her heart. Before long, she was perfecting a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe that she shared with family and friends. When her sweet treat won over her father who is a traditional chocolate chip cookie fanatic, she knew she had created something special. After her product...
2020-07-1833 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastCommunicate With Other Local Business Owners | Hannah Lane Critzer, Owner of HLane Dry Goods & CoffeeAfter relocating to Pittsburgh with her husband, it didn’t take long for Hannah Lane Critzer to realize her dream of owning a local business within walking distance from her home. HLane Dry Goods & Coffee is a modern, industrial-rustic coffee and dry goods store located in the Swissvale neighborhood. Stocked with distinctive, local items and vintage merchandise and clothing, it’s also a visual and experiential representation of Hannah’s vibrant personality. Inside, the coffee bar serves as a central hub for building relationships and community among the shop’s many loyal patrons.HLane Dry Goods & Coffee evokes a...
2020-07-1124 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastThere Are No Mountains Without the Valleys | Connor Claussen, Co-Owner of Axel's PretzelsAxel Claussen longed for the kind of authentic, soft-baked pretzels that he once enjoyed in his native Germany. After his search in Pittsburgh came up dry, he decided to make some himself. Even though he didn’t have a baking or culinary background, he did know what a genuine German pretzel should taste like. After some trial and error, he nailed it and a budding business was born.After a short stint in college, Connor Claussen decided the traditional career route wasn’t for him. He approached his dad about ramping up the pretzel business, and the fath...
2020-07-0528 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIt's OK to Reach Out for Help | Brittany Hartle, Owner of Yogi Be Wellness & Your CBD Store-North HillsAfter working in several different industries, Brittany Hartle found her passion in health and wellness. She is currently the owner of two businesses – a unique yoga practice with one-on-one coaching and outdoor group sessions and a brand-new CBD store. Whether it’s teaching people how to find peace and strength through yoga or educating customers on the benefits of CBD products, helping others is at the core of what Brittany loves to do. After relocating here from California, she has embraced Pittsburgh, taken bold risks, and made her business ideas a reality.Although Brittany opened her CBD reta...
2020-06-2625 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastConstantly Develop Your Customer Pipeline | Dan Hersh & Sam Stein, Owners of Engaged ProspectIf you have a business, then you have to sell your product or service. For some people, this comes naturally, but for the majority, it can feel a bit awkward to sell what you make. In entrepreneurship there’s the pervasive attitude that just because the product is awesome, people will line up to get it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. This is where Engaged Prospect comes in. They understand that selling isn’t just telling and that having a product that solves a problem is only the first step. There’s much more to it, and great se...
2020-06-1935 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastAddressing the Pandemic & Introducing Season 5 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastThe pandemic has brought many challenges with it, and all of us have had to adapt in one way or another. This podcast is no different. All of the interviews in Season 5 will be virtual. This will be an extended season, and the plan is to go back to in-person conversations once it is safe and appropriate to do so.As a local podcast host, I pride myself on being able to meet face-to-face with guests. It’s one of the advantages of having a local show. And I love the energy that's generated when we’re gath...
2020-06-1402 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastPractice Your Craft | Marah Frank, Owner of Botanical GypsyWhether it was rearranging furniture in her bedroom to create a new look or starting an American Girl doll seamstress business, Marah Frank’s sense of style and creativity was evident at a young age. Today, she expresses herself through her popular blog, A Gypsy in the City, and her mobile flower cart business, Botanical Gypsy. Within a short time, Marah’s floral designs and pop-ups have gained in popularity, and her flower cart is a unique mobile offering in the Pittsburgh region. With the help of her father, Marah also renovated a vintage 1980’s camper that she plans to inc...
2020-06-0533 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastYou Can Balance a Business and a Career | Aja Maria Bencsics, Owner of Aja Maria FloralAfter her wedding, Aja Maria Bencsics wanted to preserve her bridal bouquet in a way that expressed her sense of style and flair. Little did she know it at the time, but her creation would ultimately inspire a business idea centered around a medium that she treasured. Aja is passionate about flowers. She loves the way they look, how they make her feel, and the unique ways in which we use them to mark the major events in our lives. After listening to her speak, it’s clear to see that she was going to find a way to in...
2020-05-2428 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastNever Give Up | Lauren Work Phillips, Owner of The Farmer's Daughter FlowersIf you’ve been paying attention to the flower scene in Pittsburgh, you know that there’s a constant buzz surrounding The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers in Deutschtown. After working a number of gigs in New York City, including a stint at the popular ZuZu’s Petals in Brooklyn, Lauren Work Phillips decided to return to her roots in Western Pennsylvania. In 2013, she started her event flower business out of a small apartment that she shared with her husband. Two years later, they expanded into retail when they opened up their storefront on East Ohio Street. It’s an incredible...
2020-05-1821 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastShare Your Goals With the World | Victoria Smith, Owner of Victoria's Mobile Flower ShopVictoria’s weekend hobby quickly became her passion when she started Pittsburgh’s first mobile flower business. Her vision was to bring beautiful, fresh flowers to all of our unique neighborhoods, especially the places that typically never get a visit from a business like hers. And after purchasing a 1992 Daihatsu Hijet and getting it fixed up and painted, she was able to bring that vision to life. Her tiny vintage-green truck with hand-painted logo has become a recognizable part of the Pittsburgh landscape, especially when it’s brimming with colorful blooms. By the way, driving this little dynamo is no sma...
2020-05-1027 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastAddressing the Pandemic & Introducing Season 4 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastThis season was recorded before the pandemic, and I want to share it with you because it features four amazing entrepreneurs in the floral design space. Their stories deserve to be told, and we are incredibly proud of the work they have done and continue to do here in our region. You’ll hear directly from the owners of Victoria’s Mobile Flower Shop, The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers, Aja Maria Floral, and Botanical Gypsy as they bring us inside their businesses and personal journeys. If you love flowers, springtime, hope and optimism, you’re going to love this season.
2020-05-0102 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastBuild Trust With Your Partners and Team | Julie and Matt Koczko, Owners of Reginald's CoffeeWith their creation of Reginald’s Coffee, owners Julie and Matt Koczko have brought specialty coffee and a cozy café to the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Their warm and inviting coffee shop, which also doubles as a roasting room, is named after one of their furry kids; a lovable rescue dog named Reginald. One of the things that makes their space especially unique is its location in a renovated schoolhouse that’s owned and operated by the Bethel Park Historical Society. Reginald’s Coffee is playing an important role in the community, not only for its gathering space and delicio...
2020-03-1433 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastPut People First | TJ Fairchild, Owner of Commonplace CoffeeAsk anyone in the Pittsburgh coffee scene about TJ Fairchild and the words “local coffee legend” quickly follow. In the early 2000s, TJ’s company, Commonplace Coffee, was an early pioneer in the third wave coffee movement here in western Pennsylvania. As he described the origins of his business and the roots of his love for coffee, I was struck by his sincerity, modesty, and introspective nature. While TJ recounted his journey, I was amazed at the level of serendipity involved in almost every major aspect of his business. The current form that Commonplace Coffee takes today is clearly the re...
2020-03-0331 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastKnow When to Take the Big Jumps | Matt Parmelee, Owner of Redstart RoastersIt’s clear from his brand and business approach that Matt Parmelee is bringing something unique to the Pittsburgh coffee roasting landscape. His company, Redstart Roasters, is the only fully dedicated bird-friendly coffee roastery in our region and only one of a small handful in the entire country. His partnerships with local organizations, such as Pearl Parrot Rescue and the National Aviary, as well as with national groups like the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, demonstrate his company’s dedication to supporting the sustainability and preservation of bird habitats. But don’t mistake Redstart Roasters for just another fundraising or charit...
2020-02-2631 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastMake Sure Your Heart Is in It | Matt Marietti, Owner of Atelier de FerDuring their time living abroad, Matt and Vanessa Marietti fell in love with European café culture. Inspired by a desire to combine good food and drink with a welcoming gathering space, they launched Atelier de Fer at the end of 2017. Matt knew that roasting his own coffee was going to be central to his concept, so he began learning and perfecting his roasting technique in the year leading up to opening the doors to his café. Today, Matt, Vanessa, and the rest of their team operate a growing and thriving business in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Strip District. In a...
2020-02-2127 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIntroducing Season 3 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIf you’re a fan of locally roasted coffee and neighborhood cafés, then you know that specialty coffee has exploded here in Pittsburgh in recent years. In this this season, I feature four important establishments that provide unique perspectives on local coffee culture. You’ll hear directly from the owners of Redstart Roasters, Atelier de Fer, Commonplace Coffee, and Reginald’s Coffee. These wonderful entrepreneurs and business operators share the origins of their companies, the inspiration for their concepts, and their incredible journeys. This season will entertain and inspire you and, of course, jump-start your cravings for a delicio...
2020-02-1401 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastHard Work Plus Consistency Yields Results | Neil Blazin and Justin Vetter, Owners of Driftwood OvenI had a great time visiting with Neil Blazin and Justin Vetter, owners of Driftwood Oven, in their Lawrenceville location. It’s easy to see why our city has been pulling for these guys ever since they started selling pizza under a food tent five years ago. They welcomed me into their restaurant with open arms (we literally ended the podcast with a big hug), and our conversation covered everything from how they met to why sustainable and locally grown foods are important factors in determining what ultimately makes it onto their menu. They were candid and honest about th...
2020-02-0331 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastHave a Plan B | Pete Tolman, Owner of Iron Born PizzaPete Tolman, owner of Iron Born Pizza, first encountered Detroit-style pizza on a trip to Colorado. In this episode, he recounts his surprising reaction after discovering it in such an unlikely place and how he instantly knew that he had to bring it to Pittsburgh. Pete’s journey from Smallman Galley to Millvale and now back to the Strip District in his very own full-scale restaurant is an inspiring story rich with details and kernels of wisdom. His example of having a plan B is both humorous and insightful, as newly budding entrepreneurs can almost always benefit from having a...
2020-01-2630 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDon't Be Afraid to Try | Rico Lunardi, Owner of Slice on BroadwayRico Lunardi’s journey from Philadelphia back to Pittsburgh and from working in management information systems to running his own pizzeria is both insightful and inspiring. We talked about the dynamics of running a family business, the thought process behind location expansion, and the challenges of staffing and retention. He also discusses his reasons for bringing New York-style pizza to our beloved city. Rico shares some of his factors that go into site selection, and contrary to the age-old mantra, location, location, location is not always a practical approach for deciding upon new locations. If you’ve ever wondered what...
2020-01-1429 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastNever Stop Learning | Nick Bogacz, Owner of Caliente Pizza and Draft HouseNick Bogacz’s journey to becoming a successful owner and operator of five Caliente Pizza and Draft House locations started with working multiple jobs and putting in ninety-hour work weeks. He and his wife scrimped and saved enough to buy an existing local pizzeria, and the vision became reality. In this episode, Nick talks about creating a culture of growth and recognition for his employees, the challenges of expanding his company, and how he differentiates his pizzeria from the competition. During our conversation, he shared a hilarious story about the name of his business and his experience when buying th...
2020-01-0332 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIntroducing Season 2 | Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIn each season of the podcast, I cover a different business category. Season one featured four accomplished and unique voices in the personal fitness training industry. Now, in season two, we’re going to cover a fan favorite – pizza! Get ready to hear from some impressive pizza shop owners as we discuss a wide variety of small business topics and, of course, all things pizza. Whether you’re a local foodie or just curious about how these businesses came to be, you’re going to enjoy this season.If you have any questions or if you’d like to ch...
2020-01-0201 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastFind a Mentor | Personal Trainer and Health Coach, Holly GattoHolly Gatto's many years of health and fitness experience shine through in this episode. Her training as a nurse, physical therapy aide, gym manager, and personal trainer contribute greatly to the depth and richness of her expertise. I enjoyed our discussion, and we covered many important topics, such as the role a coach plays in accountability and perspective when working with clients. Her focus on customer service was especially refreshing, as it’s an area that I strongly believe in and one where small business owners can truly set themselves apart from the competition. Holly’s reminder to seek a me...
2019-12-1430 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDo What Is True to You | Personal Fitness Trainer, Keem RobinsonIn our conversation, Keem Robinson opens up the playbook and shares incredible insights into his business and journey. Today, Coach Keem runs a personal training business and gym just blocks from where he grew up in the Larimer neighborhood. Through this business that he built from scratch, he is able to give back to his community in a positive and healthy way. It’s clear from our discussion that he has built Coach Keem Training upon the rock-solid principles of always striving to add value and putting the customer at the center of everything his business does. What he is...
2019-12-0625 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastEmbrace Your Uniqueness | Strength and Conditioning Coach, James LederachIt was a pleasure having James Lederach on the show. He takes us on a heartfelt journey as he talks about his search for making an impact in the world. He didn’t know it at the time, but the place where he spent much of his youth and early adulthood would become the place where he would teach others and realize his true calling. James’s attentiveness with clients, pursuit of science-backed evidence, and willingness to think critically about exercise and nutrition exemplify what it means to strive for mastery in one’s craft.If you have a...
2019-11-2539 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastClock in on Your Own Dream | Personal Fitness Trainer, Garrett DavisI loved having Garrett Davis on the show, because he is a great example of someone who has both a full-time job and a side hustle that he’s growing into a bigger business. If you’re in that same position, or if you are working for someone else and have an idea for a business that you want to start, this is a great episode to check out. Over the years, I’ve met and worked with many entrepreneurs who struggled with how to build a business while they’re employed, as well as how to know when it’s the...
2019-10-3140 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIntroducing Proprietors of PittsburghThe Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast is about sharing stories and making connections. In this new podcast from Darin Vilano, you’re going to hear from local entrepreneurs and small business owners of all types – everything from people who are just starting out to those with well-established companies. And the best part? These are local people that you can actually reach out to and connect with.Whether you're a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or simply a fan of all things local, you’re gonna love this podcast.If you have any questions, or if you’d like t...
2019-10-2402 min