WNY Entrepreneur

WNY Entrepreneur podcast. Hosted by David Schaub.

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Latest Episodes

From Doubts to Ownership – Travis Matheny – Burn Boot Camp Williamsville

From Doubts to Ownership – Travis Matheny – Burn Boot Camp Williamsville

What happens when a business opportunity keeps showing up—and you finally say yes? For Travis Matheny, that moment changed everything.


In this episode, Travis shares the real story behind his journey from reluctant entrepreneur to confident business owner and leader. With honesty and clarity, he breaks down the mistakes he made, the turning points that helped him grow, and the systems and mindset shifts that allowed him to scale without burning out.


If you're building a team, making tough calls, or struggling to get out of the weeds in your business—this one's for you.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- Why the third “ask” was the charm—and how saying yes at the right time launched his business

- The biggest leadership mistake Travis made early on (and how he fixed it)

- How to handle it when your people stop growing with you

- The question he now asks himself before every hard conversation

- How simple systems helped him escape reactive mode and think like a CEO

- Why culture always wins—even in a saturated market

- The personal habits and accountability practices that keep him grounded and growing


Travis doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of entrepreneurship—but he also proves that with the right tools and mindset, you can grow a business that’s both sustainable and fulfilling.


🎧 Listen in for honest leadership lessons, growth strategies, and the kind of advice most business owners wish they heard sooner.

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Franchise Owner – Vanessa Palumbo – Vacations by Vanessa

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Franchise Owner – Vanessa Palumbo – Vacations by Vanessa

In this episode, we talk with Vanessa Palumbo, franchise owner of Dream Vacations, about how she turned a background in caregiving and family management into a thriving, service-first business in one of the most competitive industries out there.


Vanessa shares how she leveraged relationship-building, strategic networking, and repeatable systems—not big marketing budgets—to create consistent growth and long-term client retention. Her story is a case study in how to bet on yourself, build trust at scale, and turn everyday strengths into entrepreneurial assets.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

-Why she trained for her new business while the travel industry was shut down

-How a service-first mindset helped her rise above the noise

-What most people get wrong about travel agents—and how she adds value without adding cost

-How she built a loyal client base through referrals, responsiveness, and trust

-Why local networking (the right way) moved her business forward faster, even when it pushed her outside of her comfort zone

-The backend systems and personal habits she uses to stay focused and grow sustainably


If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a huge marketing machine or perfect timing to grow a business—you’ll want to hear Vanessa’s take. This episode is packed with practical insight, especially for entrepreneurs building their business from the ground up or navigating a crowded space.

Behind the Scenes of Smart Hiring for Business Owners – Lauren Lewis Co-owner of StaffBuffalo

Behind the Scenes of Smart Hiring for Business Owners – Lauren Lewis Co-owner of StaffBuffalo

Hiring the right people can make or break your business. In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Lewis, Co-owner of StaffBuffalo, to go behind the scenes of smart hiring and uncover what business owners need to know about building teams that truly help them grow. Lauren brings her expertise from years of working with companies across Western New York, helping them find top talent and avoid costly mistakes in the hiring process.


Lauren shares real-world insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how business owners can shift their mindset when it comes to recruiting and retaining employees. With a passion for supporting local businesses, she gives practical strategies that any entrepreneur can apply right away.


What Business Owners Will Learn in This Episode:

Why hiring is more than just filling a seat and how to find employees who fit your culture


The most common hiring mistakes entrepreneurs make and how to avoid them


How StaffBuffalo helps businesses save time and money with the right talent solutions


What local businesses in WNY are doing to attract and keep top talent


Why investing in your team is the key to scaling your business long term.

The ROI of Self Awareness: Why Entrepreneurs Need Mindfulness to Scale - Nicole Chumsky - Founder of Be Embodied

The ROI of Self Awareness: Why Entrepreneurs Need Mindfulness to Scale - Nicole Chumsky - Founder of Be Embodied

Entrepreneurs are wired to hustle, but what if the real growth strategy is slowing down? In this episode, Nicole Chumsky, founder of Be Embodied, LLC and The Mindfulness Alliance, shares how mindfulness practices can shift the way business owners lead, make decisions, and handle stress. Drawing from her work in embodiment and mindfulness-based coaching, Nicole explains why awareness is not a luxury but a competitive advantage in today’s business world.


What Business Owners Will Learn:

Why self awareness is directly linked to better business outcomes


How mindfulness practices can reduce stress and increase clarity in decision making


The hidden costs of ignoring your mental and emotional well-being as an entrepreneur


Practical tools business owners can use daily to stay grounded in the middle of chaos


How embodied leadership creates healthier teams and stronger company culture.

The Power of Planning Ahead: Lessons From Family Transitions That Apply to Business – Ann Marie Klosko, Eldercare Transition Consulting

The Power of Planning Ahead: Lessons From Family Transitions That Apply to Business – Ann Marie Klosko, Eldercare Transition Consulting

Planning ahead is not just about family care — it is also a principle that can transform how you run your business. In this episode, I talk with Ann Marie Klosko, owner of Eldercare Transition Consulting, about the powerful lessons entrepreneurs can learn from helping families navigate eldercare transitions.


Ann Marie shares real world stories of what happens when families plan ahead — and when they don’t. The parallels for business owners are striking: ignoring tough conversations or avoiding decisions can create chaos, while thoughtful preparation leads to smoother outcomes.


Her insights will challenge you to think differently about leadership, planning, and decision making, both at home and in your business.


What Business Owners Will Learn in This Episode:

How planning for difficult situations in advance reduces stress and conflict


Why avoidance is one of the costliest mistakes leaders make — in family and in business


The role of communication and transparency in making transitions smoother


Lessons from family dynamics that translate into building healthier teams


How facing uncomfortable realities can set your business up for long term success


📞 To connect with Ann Marie directly, you can reach her at 716-440-0933.

How to Build a Pro Basketball Team from the Ground Up – Kayla Crosby, Founder of the Jamestown Jackals

How to Build a Pro Basketball Team from the Ground Up – Kayla Crosby, Founder of the Jamestown Jackals

What does it really take to launch a professional sports team—and why would someone do it without a blueprint? In this episode, we sit down with Kayla Crosby, the powerhouse founder behind the Jamestown Jackals, a professional basketball team with a mission rooted in character, community, and impact.


Kayla shares how she turned a bold idea into a real franchise, why integrity and faith guided every step, and how she balances business with purpose. Whether you're building a brand, leading a team, or chasing a vision others don’t understand yet, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.


You’ll hear:


The early struggles and unlikely wins that shaped her journey


How to lead with values while growing something sustainable


Why community connection is key to long-term success


Real advice for entrepreneurs walking into uncharted territory


Listen in and get inspired by what’s possible when you lead with conviction, serve others first, and bet on yourself—just like Kayla Crosby, Founder of the Jamestown Jackals.

From Kitchen Table to Global Shelves – Rebecca Brady, Founder of Top Seedz

From Kitchen Table to Global Shelves – Rebecca Brady, Founder of Top Seedz

How do you take a homemade cracker recipe and turn it into an internationally recognized brand—and win one of the biggest startup competitions in the world while you’re at it? In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Brady, Founder of Top Seedz, to unpack how she went from baking in her kitchen to winning 43North’s $1 million grant, landing major retail deals, and building a fast-growing food brand rooted in health and hustle.


Rebecca shares how she started small, leaned into the unknown, and scaled her company without losing the heart of her mission. Her journey is one every entrepreneur can relate to—and learn from.


In this episode, you’ll hear:


How to grow a CPG brand with no industry background


Why hiring before you're “ready” is part of real growth


How Rebecca handled rapid demand and national expansion


The mindset behind winning a $1 million startup competition


Why resilience, optimism, and saying yes opened major doors


If you're building something from scratch and wondering if it's possible to scale without giving up your values, this is a must-listen. Get inspired by Rebecca Brady, Founder of Top Seedz—a local entrepreneur making a global impact.

The Free Resource Most Business Owners Overlook with Rachel Rumbold – Score International

The Free Resource Most Business Owners Overlook with Rachel Rumbold – Score International

What if one of the most valuable tools for growing your business was totally free—and you weren’t using it? In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Rumbold, founder of Rumbold Consulting and certified business mentor with SCORE Buffalo Niagara, to uncover the mentorship program too many entrepreneurs overlook.


Rachel shares how SCORE’s no-cost support is helping startups and small businesses thrive across Western New York. From guiding growth strategies to building better systems, she reveals how local business owners are using mentorship to navigate challenges and grow sustainably.


You’ll also hear how Rachel balances entrepreneurship, motherhood, and coaching softball—all while serving her community through strategic guidance and mentorship.


In this episode, business owners will learn:


What SCORE is and how to get free 1-on-1 business mentoring


How to set healthy boundaries and avoid burnout as an entrepreneur


The power of time blocking and planning with intention


How mentorship and structure can accelerate your business growth


What SCORE looks for in new mentors and how business owners can get involved


How to access free workshops, resources, and ongoing support through SCORE


Whether you're feeling stuck or ready to scale smarter, this conversation will give you tools, clarity, and a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.


Tune in now to hear from Rachel Rumbold of Score International.

The Health Benefit Mistake That’s Costing You Top Talent – Brian, Founder of Business Health Market

The Health Benefit Mistake That’s Costing You Top Talent – Brian, Founder of Business Health Market

Most business owners want to take care of their team—but end up offering health benefits that are overpriced, underused, or just plain confusing. In this episode, we sit down with Brian, founder of Business Health Market, to talk about the costly health benefit mistakes small businesses are making and how to fix them without blowing up your budget.


Whether you’re a solopreneur thinking about your first hire or a seasoned business owner looking to improve retention, this conversation will open your eyes to what truly matters when offering health coverage to your employees.


In this episode, you’ll learn:


Why traditional health plans often don’t serve small teams well


How to design benefits that actually retain talent and save you money


What questions to ask before signing your next healthcare agreement


Creative options most owners don’t realize exist


The long-term business impact of choosing the right health partner



If you care about your team and want to stay competitive in today’s hiring market, you can’t afford to miss this one. Tune in now to hear from Brian, Founder of Business Health Market.

Bio of WNY Entrepreneur

WNY Entrepreneur is the podcast that celebrates the intersection of Western NY and entrepreneurship. Hosted by David Schaub, this engaging show features in-depth interviews with the region's top entrepreneurs, focusing on various aspects of business.

Listeners who have a deep appreciation for Western NY and a keen interest in entrepreneurship will find WNY Entrepreneur to be a perfect fit. Through enlightening conversations, David Schaub uncovers the inner workings of successful entrepreneurs, sharing their secrets, failures, and strategies that have propelled their businesses forward. This podcast goes beyond surface-level discussions, delving into the specific details and insights that aspiring entrepreneurs crave.

By showcasing entrepreneurs who live and thrive in Western NY, this podcast offers a unique perspective on the local business landscape and the opportunities it presents.

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