Behind The Business: Genesee County NY

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

We all know about our local businesses, but do we know the people behind the business? Your host Katy Hobbs from The Genesee County Chamber will sit-down with the local business owners of our region and discuss their stories and insights on what its like owning a business in Genesee County NY. read less

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Scot and Kate Pickard, Pickard Solutions

Scot and Kate Pickard, Pickard Solutions

On this week's episode, Cohost's Sara Stockwell and Katy Hobbs are joined by Scot and Kate Pickard with Pickard Solutions. Pickard Solutions provides small business IT solutions and managed services. Learn more about this incredible husband and wife duo, who started their company at home during the pandemic, while also raising their two kids!Scot PickardScot has been an IT professional since 2003. He is a VMware Certified Professional in data center virtualization and an AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate with Amazon Web Services. Scot has held multiple positions as a senior systems engineer in the Buffalo and Rochester job markets. His favorite non-computer-related activity is cooking, and he is learning how to barbeque. Scot grew up in LeRoy, where he graduated in the early 2000s. When Scot got married, they moved back to LeRoy to start a family. Kate Pickard Kate creates an atmosphere of collaboration, continued learning, and growth of others. Her professional experience spans across leadership, education, and project management; all from solid roots as a Registered Nurse. She graduated from nursing school in 2007. Since then, she obtained her Bachelors in Nursing, Masters in Management, and an advanced graduate certificate in Public Health. She is also a Certified Associate in Project Management. Learning and reading are two constants in Kate’s life and what she points to when others ask how to achieve their goals. Two values she is instilling in both her children as well. When not working, Kate loves to bake, play games, and explore the many nature trails WNY has to offer with her husband and two children. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Episodes

Scot and Kate Pickard, Pickard Solutions

Scot and Kate Pickard, Pickard Solutions

On this week's episode, Cohost's Sara Stockwell and Katy Hobbs are joined by Scot and Kate Pickard with Pickard Solutions. Pickard Solutions provides small business IT solutions and managed services. Learn more about this incredible husband and wife duo, who started their company at home during the pandemic, while also raising their two kids!Scot PickardScot has been an IT professional since 2003. He is a VMware Certified Professional in data center virtualization and an AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate with Amazon Web Services. Scot has held multiple positions as a senior systems engineer in the Buffalo and Rochester job markets. His favorite non-computer-related activity is cooking, and he is learning how to barbeque. Scot grew up in LeRoy, where he graduated in the early 2000s. When Scot got married, they moved back to LeRoy to start a family. Kate Pickard Kate creates an atmosphere of collaboration, continued learning, and growth of others. Her professional experience spans across leadership, education, and project management; all from solid roots as a Registered Nurse. She graduated from nursing school in 2007. Since then, she obtained her Bachelors in Nursing, Masters in Management, and an advanced graduate certificate in Public Health. She is also a Certified Associate in Project Management. Learning and reading are two constants in Kate’s life and what she points to when others ask how to achieve their goals. Two values she is instilling in both her children as well. When not working, Kate loves to bake, play games, and explore the many nature trails WNY has to offer with her husband and two children. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Karyn Winters, Genesee County Business/Education Alliance

Karyn Winters, Genesee County Business/Education Alliance

On our first episode with Cohost's Kelly Bermingham and Katy Hobbs, we are joined by Karyn Winters - Director of the Genesee County Business/Education Alliance.Karyn was born and raised in Genesee County and is a 2003 graduate of Pavilion Central School - Go Gophers! She has a Bachelor's degree in secondary social studies education from Siena College and a master's degree in world history from SUNY Brockport. Karyn has served as BEA Director since March 2017 and is excited to introduce high-growth/high-demand careers and industries to Genesee County students. She lives in Livingston County with her husband and daughter. The Genesee County Business Education Alliance (BEA) is an organization whose mission is to foster a partnership between business and education and to assist students in preparing for the world of work. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Guy Pellegrino, Pellegrino Auto Sales

Guy Pellegrino, Pellegrino Auto Sales

This episode we were joined by Guy Pellegrino of Pellegrino Auto Sales. He details his start in business at a young age and the mentorship he received from his former boss. He has devoted his entire adult life to building his car business into what it is today and expanding over the years. He gives a lot of credit to the employees and the people of Pellegrino Auto Sales for its longstanding success.Guy is a graduate of BHS and a local boy through and through, and gives back to his community in many ways- including being involved in the naming of the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena for his friend and former teammate David McCarthy.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Bill Hume, Foxprowl Collectables

Bill Hume, Foxprowl Collectables

This episode we were joined by local comic, pop culture, star wars aficionado- Bill Hume of Foxprowl Collectables.Bill brings his humor and pop culture knowledge to the interview and speaks about the growth of his business from hobby to full time job since 1999. Foxprowl is a collectables store in Batavia that specializes in unique items from the 70s, 80s but also has a flair for the new age of collectables with Marvel and Star Wars items. To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Mitch Kolb, Batavia Garage Door

Mitch Kolb, Batavia Garage Door

This episode we were joined by new business owner Mitch Kolb of Batavia Garage Door Co. Mitch had worked at Batavia Garage door for many years before having the opportunity to take over the business in the Fall of 2020.Listen to his inspiring story of the heart and compassion he has experienced in the local business community in Genesee County, NY.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Matty Gray, Alex's Place and Eli Fish Brewing

Matty Gray, Alex's Place and Eli Fish Brewing

This episode we were joined by local businessman and community savant, Matty Gray. Born and raised in Batavia, Matty has had a huge impact on this community in his ownership of multiple businesses, and his involvement in the development of Genesee County, where he calls home.In this conversation he speaks about how he cut his teeth in business at an early age and moved to North Carolina to open up a pizza place. After having some success down there, he decided to move back home to start his family and this is when he purchased the local staple of ribs Alex's Place.In more recent years he and his partner Jon Mager have opened Batavia's first Downtown brewery, Eli Fish Brewing Co- providing a transformational change to Main St, Batavia. In his most recent announcement he has been linked to the management of the ice arena in Batavia, where he plans to refurbish and repair the facility into a year-round destination.Thank you Matty for finding the time to do this and sharing your great stories with us!To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Jessica Pratt and Zach Kobylanski, Local Business Moguls

Jessica Pratt and Zach Kobylanski, Local Business Moguls

This episode we were joined by Jessica Pratt and Zach Kobylanski, both young business people who operate businesses of their own. Jess owns a fitness center, Whole Life Fitness, and Zach a landscaping company, Versascape. In the past two years they have partnered on many new business ventures: -Pro-Kleen, a powerwashing and residential and commercial cleaning company.-The Lost Sock Laundromat, a self-service laundromat in Pavilion.-585 Sealcoating, a residential and commercial sealcoating and asphalt repair business.-Rest and Revive Wellness Center, a mixed use wellness facility with float tanks, massage therapy , esthetician services and chiropractor services.As you can see they have been very busy and in this interview they detail the process of how and why they decided to open these businesses and why they choose to operate them in Genesee County NY!To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Sharon Coyle-Farley, Rolling Hills Asylum

Sharon Coyle-Farley, Rolling Hills Asylum

This episode we were joined by longtime proprietress of Rolling Hills Asylum, Sharon Coyle.Established in 1827, the Genesee County Poor House (now Rolling Hills Asylum) soon became a refuge for some of society's less fortunate. With over 1,700 documented deaths and hundreds not recorded, Haunted North America has rated it as the second most haunted site in the United States! Right here in East Bethany, NY!In June 2008, Sharon came to Rolling Hills Asylum as part of a Darkness Radio event and had three amazing nights of paranormal activity. She then returned home to California, but would constantly review the evidence she collected from RHA. When she received a call in the Spring of 2009 that RHA was closing forever, she took action and purchased Rolling Hills Asylum and made it her new home.Since then she has completely re-branded the site and has developed it into a far-reaching attraction of our region. Visitors from all over the country flock to get their chance at collecting evidence of the paranormal. It has even been featured on many different TV Shows including Destination Fear, Ghost Adventures and as a promotional piece for American Horror Story. The historical facility in East Bethany offers public ghost hunts, private hunts, guided tours and many other events to its patrons. All of which can be found online at www.rollinghillsasylum.comTo learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Don Brown, Charles Men Shop and Batavia Bootery

Don Brown, Charles Men Shop and Batavia Bootery

This episode we were joined by Don Brown of Charles Men Shop and Batavia Bootery. Family owned & operated since 1947, Charles Men's Shop, Inc. has been Batavia's number one choice for fine men's clothing for many years. Due to a partnership with PW Minor, they have also operated Batavia Bootery in Downtown Batavia since 2017.Don speaks of his expertise in the business and how over many years the traditions at Charles Men's Shop have remained the same. They have adapted to the new styles and fashion of the day, but the store and its inner-workings very much resembles what they did in 1947, offering the same level of high service and quality clothing.Their newest venture, The Batavia Bootery, has become a retail staple in Downtown Batavia. For years they had a selection of shoes and boots available at the Men's Shop, and would refer people to other shoe stores to meet their needs. When the opportunity arose to partner with local shoemaker, PW Minor, they decided to opened up the new store front a few doors down from where they currently operated. Now, they could offer an extensive selection of quality American brand men's and women's shoes at reasonable prices, and continue to offer the same high-level of service they provided at the Men's Shop.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Judy Hysek, Eden Cafe and Bakeshop

Judy Hysek, Eden Cafe and Bakeshop

This episode we were joined by Judy Hysek from Eden Cafe- Genesee County's first and only vegan eatery!Judy got her start with Eden in 2017 in a foodie challenge competition where the winner got to utilize space inside of Eli Fish Brewing as a "restaurant incubator kitchen." This allowed her to build the business and benefit from the advice of people who were already in the business.Now, after a few years of growth and success, Judy has officially moved the business to it's own location on Ellicott St in Batavia. Currently they are in renovation mode and construction has been going on for the past few months, with plans of a grand opening very soon.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Brian Kemp, T-Shirts Etc

Brian Kemp, T-Shirts Etc

This episode we were joined by local businessman and artist, Brian Kemp. Brian's business, T Shirts-Etc, is celebrating 25 years of existence this year with its history of multiple locations across Batavia.Brian grew up in Batavia and highlights his start in the Harvester Center and how he has grown and changed the business in it's lifetime. He talks about his passion for art and his different projects across town and the designer experience he brings to his customers.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Noah Whiteford, Whiteford Dental Lab

Noah Whiteford, Whiteford Dental Lab

In this episode we were joined by local business owner, Noah Whiteford of Whiteford Dental Lab. Whiteford Dental is a fixed prosthetic lab in Batavia NY that specializes in implant and digital dental services- but as Noah would say in layman's terms, "They make teeth". In this spirited conversation, Noah details the immense growth of the business in its short lifetime, and their incessant need of more space. A resident of Batavia, Noah has put in a lot of effort to find a space in the area that meets their needs, but has not been successful. He is hoping that in the near future he will be able to find them a "forever home" in Genesee County.Noah and his business partner Dave have grown this unique business in the Harvester Center in Batavia and now are looking to expand and stay at-home in this county. We cannot commend them enough for their dedication and success in this community.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

John Roche, Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle Shop

John Roche, Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle Shop

This episode we were joined by John Roche, current owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle Store.John details the history of the iconic toy store in Downtown Batavia and the visitors that return year after year. He talks about how he got into the business back in 2000 and how his childhood passion for bicycles inspired him to take the leap into ownership.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Kent Ewell, O'Lacy's Irish Pub

Kent Ewell, O'Lacy's Irish Pub

This episode we were joined by local businessman, Kent Ewell, owner of O'Lacy's Irish Pub in Batavia.Kent details his life and career before the pub and his inspiration for opening it up 25 years ago. He talks about the research he did and the importance he placed on making it look and feel like a true Irish Pub. O'Lacy's has become a local staple and gathering place for the people in Genesee County, NY. They also pour a perfect Guiness and have one hell of a Reuben.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Jon Mager, Arctic Refrigeration and Eli Fish

Jon Mager, Arctic Refrigeration and Eli Fish

Season two officially launched after a slight delay.This episode we were joined by Jon Mager, of the Mager Family, the people behind Arctic Refrigeration in Batavia. He details the history of the family owned business that has spanned over 75 years and was started by his grandfather in his garage on Otis St in Batavia.Jon goes on to speak about his newest venture, the famous Eli Fish Brewing Co, located on Main St in Batavia- the only brewery of its kind in Genesee County.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Episode 14, Paul Marchese, Marchese Computer Products

Episode 14, Paul Marchese, Marchese Computer Products

In the season finale of Season 1 of Behind The Business, we were joined by local information technology legend, Paul Marchese, of Marchese Computer Products. In this fun conversation with Paul we talk about the ins and outs of his business and how it has changed over the past 40 years.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Episode 13, Mike Hodgins, Hodgins Printing

Episode 13, Mike Hodgins, Hodgins Printing

This episode we were joined by long time local business owner Mike Hodgins. Mike and his family have owned and operated Hodgins Printing and John's Studios since the late 50s. Mike's father, John, started the business and in this episode Mike details the story behind their business. He also speaks of the change in the industry and how they have adapted over the past twenty or so years.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Episode 12, Brandon Armstrong, Royals Barbershop

Episode 12, Brandon Armstrong, Royals Barbershop

This episode we were joined by local entrepreneur Brandon Armstrong, of Royals Barbershop in Batavia. Brandon has operated his own business since his early 20s and has always wanted to use his creativity to provide for himself and his community. Brandon talks about his younger days and his inspiration to be a barber, and the few different opportunities that have come his way over his time as a local business owner in Batavia. He also highlights his aspirations for the future, and what he thinks he can bring to the community he grew up in.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Episode 11: Chris VanDusen and Shelly Wolaske, Empire Hemp

Episode 11: Chris VanDusen and Shelly Wolaske, Empire Hemp

This episode we were joined by the newest dynamic duo of local business in Genesee County, Chris and Shelly from Empire Hemp in Batavia. The new health and wellness shop opened up in April of 2021 on Main St in the Masonic Temple building.Empire Hemp Co. produces a wide range of Hemp Derived CBD products for the purpose of providing happiness, health, healing and wellness. In this episode they detail their standards on creating the many different products they offer and the local growers they purchase the raw hemp from. In layman's terms- they are like a craft beer of cbd products- purchasing materials, processing the flower and creating their own products from start to finish.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/

Episode 10: Tim Call, Empire Tractor

Episode 10: Tim Call, Empire Tractor

This episode we were joined by a member of our prominent agricultural community here in Genesee County.: Tim Call, of Empire Tractor. He joined us to detail his time at the business in Batavia and how he impulsively got into ownership. He goes on to detail his family's long history of agriculture businesses and various community support in our region.To learn more about our Genesee County businesses, visit us at https://geneseeny.chambermaster.com/list/