Viewing: Season 1 - View all posts

S1 Finale 


Join the guys as they take a look back at the first season of the Guys Telling Stories podcast.  Rich and Bill reflect on their favorite Season 1 stories and share memories from behind-the-scenes.

S1 Episode 11: John Gavigan 


Directing the $5 Million Startup Competition.  John Gavigan is Executive Director of 43North.  He tells stories about his childhood candy stand, the growth and sale of his own successful business, and the importance of asking for help.  John also talks about 43North and the organization's exciting future.

S1 Episode 10: Joe List 


Living a Lifetime of Comedy.  Joe List grew up listening to comedy albums and dreaming of becoming a comedian.  He tells stories about starting out at open mic nights in Boston, experiencing recent success with his appearance on NBC's Last Comic Standing, and the importance of not looking too far ahead in the future.

S1 Episode 9: Mike Shatzel 


Growing a Restaurant Empire.  Mike Shatzel is owner of seven successful restaurants and has plans to open a brewery.  Mike tells stories about his father putting him to work at a young age, how actor Ted Danson influenced his decision to attend culinary school in Canada, and the importance of surrounding yourself with top-notch people.

S1 Episode 8: Fred Frank 


How Dr. Frank Forever Changed the Wine Industry.  Fred Frank is the grandson to the founder of Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars.  Fred shares stories about his grandfather revolutionizing American wine production, bringing the family business into the 21st century, and the importance of learning to shave on another man's beard.

S1 Episode 7: Doug Allen 


What's It Like to be the Anthem Guy?  Doug Allen is the principle anthem singer for the Buffalo Sabres.  He tells stories about growing up on a farm, sending in his first audition tape, and the meaning behind The Point.  Doug also offers advice to anyone chasing a dream of their own.

S1 Episode 6: Heather Sidorowicz 


Jumping Into the Tech Industry. Heather Sidorowicz is a leader in the field of technology integration. She tells stories about starting in door-to-door sales, purchasing Southtown Audio Video from her father, and navigating the differences between commercial and residential business. Heather also discusses the importance of an exit strategy and offers advice to like-minded entrepreneurs.

S1 Episode 5: Jarod Miller 


Animal Kingdom and Beyond. Jarod Miller grew up with an uncontrollable fascination for wildlife and animals. He tells stories about learning alongside Jack Hanna, being the executive director of the Binghamton Zoo, starting his own nationally syndicated television series "Animal Exploration with Jarod Miller", and making regular appearances on television shows such as the Today Show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and The Rachael Ray Show. This episode also features one of Jarod's business partners Jennifer Keppard. The two discuss becoming the unlikely owners and operators of Tap House Pub & Grill and preview future plans to dive into the world of real estate development.

S1 Episode 4: Steve Balesteri 


Taking the Next Step as a Musician.  Steve Balesteri joined every singing group school offered, but it wasn't until after college when he found the courage to pursue music full-time.  He tells stories about discovering success through collaboration with like-minded musicians.  Steve also offers heartfelt advice about not getting discouraged when your audience isn't shouting accolades.  Rather, he suggests to be patient, persistent, and keep going no matter what.

S1 Episode 3: Emily Kluckhohn 


Want to Start an Online Business?  Emily Kluckhohn, Director of Storytelling at Step Out Buffalo, tells stories about taking a risk and leaving her job to start a wildly successful website.  She talks about the decision to pivot from a restaurant-review site to a large-scale digital resource for all things food, popular culture, and events.  Emily also shares her goals for the future and offers advice to hopeful entrepreneurs looking to take the next step on their own path to success.

S1 Episode 2: Russell J. Salvatore 


80 Years in the Restaurant Business?  Check.  Million-Dollar Philanthropist?  Check.  Russell J. Salvatore, owner of Russell's Steaks, Chops, & More and Salvatore's Grand Hotel, tells stories about growing up, almost failing when he didn't put pizza on the menu at his first Italian restaurant, and how he plans to give his entire fortune away to charity.

S1 Episode 1: Jason Havens & Dave Johnson 


What's it like to start a brewery?  Hosts Rich Douglas and Bill Easton are joined by Jason Havens and Dave Johnson, founders and owners of Rusty Nickel Brewing Co.  Years in the making, their brewery has been open a little over a year now.  Jason and Dave tell stories about getting their dream off the ground, the struggles of transporting a commercial keg cooler across state lines, and offer advice to anyone thinking about getting into the beer business.

S1 Preview: The Storytelling Begins 


Hosts Rich Douglas and Bill Easton tease what listeners can expect to hear in future episodes, brainstorm potential guests, and preview the tone of the show. Overall, the Guys Telling Stories podcast spotlights inspiring stories from a variety of personalities—entrepreneurs, entertainers, behind-the-scenes figures.