Buying Local Podcast

Hosted by Michael Nelson

Business

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Episodes

141

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Buying Local is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the small businesses, local food markets, and makers that make Saratoga, Warren, and Washington County shine. Hosted by Mike Nelson, each episode uncovers the fantastic goods, services, and stories hidden in your very own community. We’re here to support local economies—and spotlight the people behind the products and companies you love. Buying Local Podcast is powered by Five Towers Media.

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60 recent

October 23, 2026Episode 9226 min

How Purpose Drives Community Impact and Education | Buying Local #92

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson speaks with Fawn Montanye, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Growth at Nourishing Minds Tutoring, about expanding access to quality tutoring, building nonprofit and employer partnerships, developing scholarship support for families, and helping children across the Capital Region and Adirondacks build confidence through education. Learn more about Fawn Montanye and Nourishing Minds Tutoring at nourishingmindstutoring.com . 0:00 Introduction: Fawn Montanye Returns to Buying Local 1:30 Why Fawn Chose Purpose-Driven Nonprofit Work 2:22 What It Means to Have a Position with a Purpose 3:25 Finding Happiness Beyond Money and Career Titles 5:37 Balancing Business Costs with Community Support 6:57 Nourishing Minds Tutoring’s Four Growth Priorities 8:18 Scholarships to Make Tutoring More Accessible 9:09 Employer Benefits That Support Children’s Education 11:47 How a Community Scholarship Fund Would Work 13:51 The Vision Behind Nourishing Minds Tutoring 15:38 Fawn’s Personal Connection to Educational Access 18:38 Building Partnerships and Pursuing Grant Funding 19:42 Challenges Facing Child-Serving Organizations 22:03 Why Year-Round Educational Support Matters 24:23 Connecting Families and Organizations with Tutoring 25:51 Building Student Confidence Beyond Better Grades Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal #BuyingLocal #NourishingMindsTutoring #EducationAccess #CommunityPartnerships #CapitalRegionNY

September 18, 2026Episode 9134 min

Siege Weekend Returns to Schuylerville for Victory Season | Buying Local #91

Saratoga 250 Executive Director Bill Teator joins Buying Local to explain Victory Season, Siege Weekend, living history events, and the Saratoga Revolutionary Experience taking shape across Saratoga County. The conversation covers the October 10–11 Siege Weekend in Schuylerville, the Turning Point Passport, the upcoming 2027 250th anniversary reenactments, and new ways for families and visitors to experience Saratoga's Revolutionary history. Learn more about Bill Teator and Campaign for Saratoga 250 at saratoga250.com . 0:00 Welcome and introduction to Bill Teator 1:35 What is Victory Season in Saratoga? 2:15 Saratoga National Historical Park and Freeman's Farm 3:56 Introducing Siege Weekend in Schuylerville 5:01 Living historians, music and artillery demonstrations 6:15 Family activities and horse-drawn wagon rides 7:30 What it's really like to camp as a Revolutionary-era reenactor 9:23 Authenticity standards for the 2027 reenactments 10:53 How the replica Revolutionary War cannons work 13:08 Inside the British encampment and camp followers 14:27 The Saratoga Revolutionary Experience and Siege Passport 17:06 Turning Point Passport and early access to 2027 tickets 19:18 Why the events work for homeschool and school communities 21:35 18th-century toys, games, draft horses and local partners 23:35 The new Saratoga Revolutionary Experience Center 25:56 Why preserving Revolutionary history matters beyond 2027 28:17 Bringing more historical voices and perspectives forward 31:53 Why digital content should lead people to experience history in person 32:24 Siege Weekend attendance, new attractions and making a fall outing 33:38 Where to learn more about Saratoga 250 Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #BuyingLocal #Saratoga250 #SaratogaNY #RevolutionaryWar #SaratogaCounty

September 11, 2026Episode 9034 min

Building Your Dream Home Without the Bidding War | Buying Local #90

What does the current real estate market look like, and could new construction offer buyers a way around bidding wars and costly repairs? Mike Nelson talks with Sarah Itterman and Michael Caruso of Sterling Real Estate Group about the Capital Region housing market, modular home construction, customization, pricing, factory-built quality, and the new construction communities they represent. Learn more about Sarah Itterman and Michael Caruso at Sterling Real Estate Group at sterling518.com . 0:00 Meet the Sterling Real Estate Group agents 2:19 Why Sarah and Michael chose real estate and Sterling 4:27 The current state of the real estate market 6:21 How the new construction buying process works 7:49 Avoiding bidding wars with new construction 9:02 Modular homes and faster construction timelines 10:38 Why modular construction can be more predictable 12:59 How modular homes are built and transported 14:37 Precision construction and crane installation 15:14 Customizing floor plans and home designs 17:29 Who is buying new construction homes? 19:29 New construction pricing and value 21:43 Touring the factory and seeing homes built 23:28 Basements, foundations and future living space 26:05 Finishing attic space and adding square footage 30:42 Available home sites and how to learn more Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal #BuyingLocal #RealEstate #NewConstruction #CapitalRegionNY #ModularHomes

September 4, 2026Episode 8935 min

Saratoga Showcase of Homes 2026: 30 Years of Giving Back | Buying Local #89

The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes celebrates its 30th anniversary with 13 homes across Saratoga County, showcasing local builders, new construction, design trends and renovations while raising money for local charities. Lisa Licata and Barry Potoker join Buying Local to explain what visitors can expect, how the People's Choice and professional judging work, and why the event has become a Saratoga-area fall tradition. The 2026 Showcase takes place October 3–4 and October 10–11, with proceeds benefiting Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Tickets to the showcase are now available! Learn more about Saratoga Showcase of Homes and order your tickets at saratogashowcaseofhomes.com . 0:00 Welcome & 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes 1:10 Meet Lisa Licata & Barry Potoker 2:30 30 Years of the Showcase & Giving Back 3:15 What Is the Saratoga Showcase of Homes? 4:20 New Builds, Renovations & 10,000+ Sq. Ft. Homes 5:40 Why Visitors Come: Design Trends & Inspiration 6:40 People's Choice Awards & Professional Judging 8:20 The Showcase as a Saratoga Fall Tradition 9:20 How the Showcase Connects Buyers With Local Builders 10:35 Meet the 13 Homes & Participating Builders 12:00 Self-Guided Tours, Maps & QR Code Directions 13:00 What Visitors Need to Know Before Touring 17:40 75+ Sponsors & How to Get Tickets 21:45 Fall Atmosphere & the 30th Anniversary 23:00 Behind the Scenes: Getting Homes Ready 25:45 Professional Judges, Realtor Tours & New Features 32:30 2026 Dates, Charities & Final Details 34:50 Supporting Local & What's Next Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny X/Twitter: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #SaratogaShowcaseOfHomes #SaratogaCounty #SaratogaSprings #BuyingLocal #HomeBuilding

August 28, 2026Episode 8858 min

Stephen Tomb: Surviving the Arctic & Selling a Business | Buying Local #88

Stephen Tomb, business broker and consultant with Transworld Business Advisors of Albany, joins Buying Local to discuss business valuations, exit strategies, selling a small business, and why owners should plan their exit before they are ready to close the doors. Stephen also shares stories from his recent expedition to Baffin Island, including polar bear precautions, extreme weather, Arctic wildlife, fishing, and his experience connecting with Inuit and First Nations communities. Learn more about Stephen and Transworld Business Advisors at tworld.com . 0:00 Meet Stephen Tomb & what Transworld Business Advisors does 3:00 Why business owners shouldn't simply close their doors 6:00 Business valuations, buyers & the importance of planning 9:00 Stephen's Arctic dream: Why Baffin Island? 12:00 Flying into the wilderness & racing the weather 15:00 Two-person tents, extreme wind & wilderness teamwork 18:00 Polar bear preparation & electric bear fences 21:00 What to do if a polar bear charges 24:00 Camping behind an electric fence in bear country 27:00 When 100+ pounds of gear gets blown away 30:00 Arctic fishing, caribou & brutal mosquitoes 33:00 Northern Lights, dog sledding & the Arctic winter 36:00 Inuit culture, elders & experiencing local traditions 39:00 Wilderness medicine & managing risk far from help 42:00* Why Stephen came back to the Adirondacks 45:00 Local businesses currently looking for buyers 48:00 Business valuations, seller discretionary earnings & add-backs 51:00 Skilled trades, business succession & keeping local businesses alive 54:00 Family history, Adirondack guides & lessons from previous generations 57:00 How to contact Stephen & why business owners need an exit strategy Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny X/Twitter: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #BuyingLocal #BusinessBroker #SmallBusiness #BusinessForSale #Adirondacks

August 14, 2026Episode 8731 min

Saratoga Comedy Festival Brings 64 Comics to Saratoga | Buying Local #87

Travis Stealey, comedian and founder of the Saratoga Comedy Festival, joins Buying Local to discuss his journey from bombing at open mics to producing one of the Capital Region's biggest comedy events. Travis shares insights into writing comedy, crowd work, entrepreneurship, and what attendees can expect from the Saratoga Comedy Festival on September 11-12 at the Saratoga City Center. Connect with Travis at travisstealey.com and learn more about the comedy festival at saratogacomedyfest.com . 0:00 Introduction & Saratoga Comedy Festival Overview 0:15 How Travis Stealey Got Started in Comedy 1:05 Bombing at His First Open Mic 2:23 Learning What Actually Makes People Laugh 4:00 Adapting Material to Different Crowds 5:10 The Rise of Crowd Work Comedy 6:09 Performing for Tiny Audiences 8:08 When Crowd Work Goes Too Far 9:18 A Nun on Tinder & Other Crowd Stories 11:14 How Comedians Build and Refine Material 13:11 Knowing When to Retire a Joke 15:29 Six Months of Failure Before Progress 16:35 Mentorship, The Comedy Bible & Getting Better 19:24 Why Travis Didn't Quit Comedy 22:06 Launching the Saratoga Comedy Festival 23:12 Festival Format, Headliners & What to Expect 25:16 64 Comics, Local Talent & National Acts 28:40 Tickets, Promotions & Festival Details 29:58 Managing the Logistics of a Major Comedy Event 30:27 Final Thoughts & Event Information Want more Buying Local?Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal #SaratogaComedyFestival #TravisStealey #BuyingLocal #ComedyPodcast #SaratogaSprings

August 7, 2026Episode 8622 min

Don Lehman: Why Local Media & Journalism Still Matter | Buying Local #86

Join host Mike Nelson as he sits down with Don Lehman, a Freelance Writer of 30+ Years and Director of Public Affairs for Warren County, New York, to discuss the evolution of local journalism and PR. Don shares his incredible journey from spending 27 years at the Post Star to managing critical county communications and doing PR for Kelly's Angels. Connect with Don Lehman on LinkedIn and learn more about Kelly's Angels at kellysangelsinc.org . 0:00 Mike Nelson introduces Don Lehman 1:22 Reflecting on a 27-year career & the decline of print news 3:08 How Don's past reporting inspired Buying Local 4:27 The power of local business blogs 6:08 Dealing with the fragmentation of local news 7:32 Don’s introduction to sports journalism 8:17 Getting involved with Mark Mulholland and Kelly's Angels 9:47 How Kelly's Angels provides scholarships and grants to families in need 11:53 Shifting out of COVID-19 protocols 13:48 Overcoming obstacles with press releases 15:46 Building two-way relationships with local media 17:12 Why accuracy must take priority over speed in government public relations 18:03 Handling tragic news stories 20:02 The strict deadlines of daily print journalism 20:57 Where to find Don 22:09 Final thoughts and episode wrap-up Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #BuyingLocal #LocalJournalism #PublicRelations #WarrenCountyNY #SmallBusinessSupport

July 31, 2026Episode 8531 min

Building Community Through Music, Marketing & Mental Health | Buying Local #85

How is AI reshaping local marketing, SEO, and the future of community building? In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Chuck Copenspire, Digital Marketing Consultant at Copenspire Unlimited and founder of the MindBlown Music Festival, to discuss AI search, Google Business Profiles, authentic branding, and why human connection matters more than ever. They also explore the growing local music scene in Glens Falls, how independent festivals are creating opportunities for emerging bands, and why music, storytelling, and community events can become powerful tools for mental health awareness and local economic growth. Learn more about Chuck and his various projects at chuckcopenspire.com . 00:00 - Introduction & MindBlown Festival recap 01:00 - Why Buying Local started a print publication 03:00 - Chuck discovers the power of earned media 04:45 - The story behind MindBlown Music Festival 06:00 - Organizing a grassroots music festival 08:20 - Mental health, suicide prevention & community connection 10:00 - Why loneliness is growing despite social media 12:05 - Building belonging through music and local events 14:00 - Lessons learned from year two of the festival 16:20 - Local music scene, Roblox Tycoon & young musicians 18:05 - What's next for MindBlown Festival Year Three 19:35 - Chuck's marketing career and Identity Pending 22:00 - AI SEO, Google Business Profiles & the future of search 25:40 - Authentic marketing vs AI-generated content 28:25 - Why supporting artists still matters in the AI era 29:45 - Where to find Chuck Copenspire & final thoughts Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #LocalBusiness #DigitalMarketing #SEO #AISearch #BuyingLocal

July 24, 2026Episode 8425 min

How 2 Local Business Owners Fed 600 Families | Buying Local #84

Discover how local entrepreneurs Ryan Holderman and Chris Mastantuono turned a grassroots Thanksgiving food drive into a massive community movement that fed over 3,000 people. In this episode, host Mike Nelson explores the inspiring launch of their brand-new nonprofit, 518 Great, a charity dedicated to providing year-round hope for the community. Tune in to uncover the chaotic logistics behind their massive giving efforts and learn about their upcoming charity Color Run and Back to School backpack drive. Check out Ryan's business, The Gym, 518 at thegym518.com and Chris's ventures at hecarshoppeny.com and requalify360.com . 0:00 Introduction of Chris and Ryan. 1:00 Chris’s entrepreneurial background and ventures. 2:01 Ryan’s history, background, and The Gym 518. 3:24 The origins of the Thanksgiving turkey drive. 5:18 Community kids helping assemble the food boxes. 6:15 The logistics of organizing tractor-trailers full of food. 7:32 Announcing the launch of the 518 Great nonprofit. 9:28 Details on the upcoming charity 5K Color Run. 10:00 Planning the Back to School backpack initiative. 12:00 Navigating the challenges of setting up a new nonprofit. 14:34 How busy business owners find the time to help the community. 16:49 What to expect at the upcoming Color Run event. 18:15 Sourcing massive amounts of food from local stores like Walmart and Hannaford. 21:13 Brainstorming future holiday toy drives and parades. 23:59 The mission to help families year-round beyond the holidays. 25:02 Final thoughts and how viewers can get involved. Discover more Buying Local Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal #BuyingLocal #518Great #CommunitySupport #LocalBusiness #CharityRun

July 17, 2026Episode 8336 min

How David Globerson Built a Career as a Full-Time Illustrator | Buying Local #83

Meet David F. Globerson, founder of DFG Illustration, as he shares how he built a full-time career creating custom pet portraits, fine art, brewery labels, children's book illustrations, and more. He also discusses the future of artists in an AI-driven world, why human-made artwork still matters, and how relationships helped grow his business in Upstate New York. Learn more about David and commission artwork at www.dfgillustration.com . 0:00 Introduction to David F. Globerson & DFG Illustration 0:43 Becoming a full-time commission illustrator 2:21 How pet portraits unexpectedly became a business 5:00 Creating meaningful artwork for clients 6:00 Gallery shows, original artwork & commissions 7:10 Building DFG Illustration during the pandemic 9:48 Dave's portrait painting process from photo to canvas 12:42 Improving the client experience through better systems 14:03 The pressure of delivering meaningful artwork 16:04 How long custom paintings actually take 18:22 Beer labels, children's books & saying yes to opportunities 21:51 Networking and growing through relationships 25:29 Why human-created art matters in the age of AI 32:48 The future of DFG Illustration 34:34 Where to find David and his artwork Follow Buying Local: Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/BuyingLocalNY Instagram: instagram.com/BuyingLocalNY Twitter/X: x.com/BuyingLocalNY LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #BuyingLocal #DFGIllustration #PetPortraits #Illustration #UpstateNY

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