Empire State Entrepreneurs: NY Business Law

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Jun 2026

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Hosted by David Pfalzgraf, the managing partner of the law firm Rupp Pfalzgraf, LLC, Empire State Entrepreneurs is a fun and informative venue to feature clients, strategic partners, community leaders, and team members to talk about relevant issues for entrepreneurs and business owners throughout New York State. Guests of the podcast offer dynamic insight into the many stages of business ownership, along with opportunities to understand the legal issues surrounding entrepreneurship in NYS.

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June 2, 2026Episode 336 min

Ben Burge & Matt Miller of Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC

In this episode of the Empire State Entrepreneurs and New York Business Law Podcast, host David Pfalzgraf is joined by two of Rupp Pfalzgraf's own: Matt Miller, Practice Area Leader of the Labor & Employment group, and Ben Burge, M&A attorney and the firm's General Counsel. Together, they pull back the curtain on how Rupp Pfalzgraf has navigated AI adoption, from early experimentation to building out a full internal task force, weekly training sessions, and hiring in-house data engineers to build proprietary tools.The conversation is equal parts honest and practical, touching on what went right, what was scary, and what business owners of any size should be thinking about right now.Recorded live at Incept's podcast studio, The Vault, in Buffalo, NY.Show NotesThe Moment It Clicked – Ben's "Deep Research" WalkBen's entry into AI wasn't strategic; it was accidental. During COVID, he was out for a morning walk with ChatGPT open on his phone, working through a thorny question about who legally owns medical records produced by a physician. He hit the deep research button by mistake. When he got back from the walk, a 25-page, single-spaced memo with citations was waiting for him – work that would have taken him and a couple of associates several days. He admitted he didn't check all the citations (an early lesson in hallucinations), but the experience made clear that something fundamental had changed.The Moment It Clicked – Matt's Hour with Tony RuppMatt traces his AI awakening to a five-minute check-in with Rupp Pfalzgraf managing partner Tony Rupp that turned into an hour-long conversation. Rupp's passion for the topic made it land differently; Matt recognized immediately that this wasn't a passing trend, and walked back to his desk ready to start experimenting.Building the Foundation: Survey First, Strategy SecondBoth Matt and Ben emphasized that Rupp Pfalzgraf's structured approach started with a simple internal survey – asking employees what AI tools they were already using on their own. The results surprised leadership and gave them a real baseline: which platforms were in use, how often, and for what purposes. From there, the firm made deliberate decisions about which tools to standardize on, what enterprise-level accounts to establish (with appropriate confidentiality and security provisions), and how to build a shared strategy from the ground up.The AI Task Force & Weekly Breakfast SessionsRupp Pfalzgraf formed a cross-functional AI Task Force drawing people from all levels of the firm. Regular brainstorming sessions identified inefficiencies where AI could create immediate ROI – particularly finding where high-value employees were spending time on low-value, automatable tasks. The firm also launched weekly Friday breakfast sessions where attorneys and staff shared use cases, explored new tools, and workshopped prompting techniques. Ben led a session specifically on prompt quality, making the case that how you ask matters as much as what you ask.Going All In: Hiring Data EngineersOne of the more surprising moves the firm made was hiring multiple in-house data engineers – a significant departure for a law firm. Rather than simply purchasing licenses for off-the-shelf platforms, Rupp Pfalzgraf saw an opportunity to build proprietary, customized tools tailored to their specific workflows. Current custom builds include automated subpoena generation and document request tools, freeing up attorneys and paralegals from non-billable, repetitive work. The data engineers attend every AI Task Force meeting and take direct requests from lawyers, paralegals, and firm leadership.Measuring ROI – And Why It's the Wrong Question (For Now)When pressed on return on investment, Ben pushed back on the framing. Direct proportional ROI is hard to calculate when the gains are distributed across dozens of people doing their jobs faster and better. The better question, he argued, is whether you're maximizing the highest and best use of each person's time – a phrase David uses often with the firm. The firm has made the conscious decision to invest ahead of measurable returns, betting that productivity gains and revenue upside will compound over time.Quality Control: Accountability Doesn't Come with the OutputA key theme that emerged in both the formal interview and the post-recording discussion: AI gives you an answer, not accountability. Ben and Matt both stressed that the output needs to be owned by the person who generated it. Matt described his approach to reviewing work from junior attorneys – he can tell when AI was used, and rather than penalizing it, he asks pointed questions: Why is this argument here? How does this fit the overall strategy of the case? Did you actually read through what it generated? The goal is to build judgment in younger lawyers, not just efficiency.AI and the Future of RecruitingBoth guests expect the profile of entry-level professionals to shift meaningfully. Real-world work experience before law school is already attractive; Ben predicts it will become more so as AI handles more of the mechanical drafting work – leaving judgment, client relationships, and strategic thinking as the differentiators. Matt noted the challenge facing employers in hiring: writing samples may be AI-generated, and interviewers need to be more probing and observational than ever. He also flagged that AI-based applicant screening tools are a growing area of concern in labor and employment law.Five Years Out: Evolve or DieNeither Matt nor Ben expects AI to replace lawyers in the next five years. But both were clear that the firms and professionals who aren't actively building a strategy right now are already behind. Matt compared the current moment to earlier technology inflection points – computers, email, online legal research – where every professional services industry had to adapt or get left behind. The difference now is the pace; what changed over decades in previous cycles is happening in months.Key HighlightsBen's accidental deep research moment: A 25-page memo on a question that would have taken days, generated during a 20-minute walk. The citation hallucinations were a lesson; the productivity revelation was immediate."AI can give you an answer. It can't give you accountability." – Ben BurgeHiring data engineers at a law firm: A bold move that reflects the firm's ethos of thinking differently and investing in what others won't.Prompt engineering matters: Not a buzzword – the quality of what you put in directly determines the value of what comes out. Ben led an entire internal training session on it.The Tony Rupp BlackBerry analogy: If you're not intentionally investing in something this revolutionary, you're already way behind.Quality control as mentorship: Matt's framework for reviewing AI-assisted work from junior attorneys is really a framework for developing professional judgment in the next generation.The Friday breakfast sessions: A low-lift, high-impact format any business could replicate to build internal AI fluency.Key Takeaways- Start with a survey. Before building any AI strategy, find out what your people are already using. You'll be surprised – and you'll have real data to work with.- Establish security before scale. Enterprise accounts, confidentiality provisions, and data ...

May 5, 2026Episode 235 min

Jack O'Donnell of O'Donnell & Associates, LLC

In this episode of the Empire State Entrepreneurs and New York Business Law Podcast, host David Pfalzgraf sits down with Jack O'Donnell, founder and managing partner of O'Donnell & Associates, a Buffalo-based government relations and lobbying firm with offices in Albany, Rochester, and New York City. Jack shares a candid look at his journey from Buffalo public schools to the halls of Albany, the deals that shaped his career, and why he believes Buffalo's best days may still be ahead.Recorded live at Incept's podcast studio in Buffalo, NY.Show NotesBuffalo Roots & Family LegacyJack grew up in Buffalo attending Buffalo Public Schools through eighth grade before going on to St. Joe's High School. He comes from a family deeply embedded in public service. His father retired as a New York State Supreme Court Justice, and his mother blazed a trail as the first woman to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York, later working in the Obama administration.Early Career: From Campaign Trail to the StatehouseAfter graduating from Canisius College in 1996 - the same year as the presidential election - Jack passed up a planned career with U.S. Immigration Services and instead rode to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, handed out paper resumes on the convention floor, and landed a job on the Clinton-Gore reelection campaign. His direct supervisor was Bill de Blasio; his deputy was Karen Hinton (now Karen Hinton Keo, current Secretary to the Governor of New York).From there, Jack spent 18 months driving across New York State promoting a then-little-known congressman named Chuck Schumer. When Schumer won his Senate seat, Jack made the deliberate choice to stay in Buffalo rather than follow the campaign to Washington - a decision he credits as formative.Over the next decade, Jack worked as a political operative and campaign strategist for a who's-who of New York State Democratic leadership, including Eliot Spitzer, Hillary Clinton, Kathy Hochul, and Andrew Cuomo, earning him the unofficial title of "Upstate Sherpa."Health Challenges & ReinventionIn the midst of his political career, Jack faced a serious health crisis that required an organ transplant, an experience that nearly cost him his life. The ordeal introduced him to Upstate New York Transplant, where he formed meaningful relationships, including with David's late mother, and eventually redirected his path back to law school. He spent seven years completing his JD, graduating in 2010 after petitioning to return following his illness.From Politics to LobbyingJack registered as a lobbyist for the first time in 2008, initially resistant to the idea. He eventually recognized that lobbying offered the parts of government work he found most energizing, brokering large, impactful projects, without the door-knocking and constituent service elements he found less fulfilling.Starting O'Donnell & Associates...Right Before COVIDIn November 2019, Jack left his position at an established lobbying firm to launch O'Donnell & Associates. Four months later, COVID hit. He was frank about the fear of running a business with no formal training, but credits the crisis with proving the value of his relationships. Clients and officials needed informed navigators more than ever.Current Work & ClientsToday, O'Donnell & Associates works across healthcare, economic development, finance, and cultural institutions. Current and recent engagements include:Alstom (train manufacturer, Hornell, NY): Helped secure a nearly $3 billion Amtrak contract for next-generation trains, leveraging relationships with both Governor Cuomo and Senator Schumer - two leaders famously at odds. Those trains now run between Boston and New York City. Most recently, helped Alstom secure a $3 billion MTA subway car contract.M&T Bank: Facilitating strategic introductions and relationship-building as M&T expands into the Bronx, connecting the bank with key city and state officials.Buffalo Zoo, Albright-Knox Art Gallery (AKG), Niagara Aquarium: Advocating for cultural institutions Jack views as critical economic drivers for Western New York.Downtown Buffalo Development: Working with a developer on office-to-residential conversion legislation, sponsored by Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, modeled on programs that have succeeded in New York City.The Monday Morning MemoO'Donnell & Associates produces a weekly publication recapping key developments in Albany, Washington, and local government. The memo has won awards and is read widely among elected officials and policy leaders across the state.AI, Advocacy & the New York RAISE ActJack shared his firm's work on the New York RAISE Act, which requires large AI companies (those spending millions developing frontier models) to maintain documented safety plans and bear legal responsibility for their systems. He pushed back on what he characterized as misleading opposition from major tech companies, calling the law a reasonable guardrail; not a threat to startups or innovators.Jack also touched on how digital tools, including geofenced advertising targeting state capitol visitors, have become part of sophisticated advocacy campaigns, while cautioning that relationships and personal judgment remain irreplaceable, especially in bill drafting where changing two words can determine whether a company thrives or is regulated out of existence.Buffalo's FutureJack is optimistic about Buffalo's trajectory, pointing to:A new mayor representing the city's first true "change election" since 1977Strong leadership at the city's cultural institutionsLegislative momentum behind downtown residential conversion projectsGrowing statewide recognition of Buffalo's potential from Albany and NYCFun FactsJack published a book, Bitten by the Tiger, about William Sulzer - the only New York Governor ever to be impeached - available on Amazon.In 1996, Jack qualified for the U.S. Olympic sailing trials, though the team did not ultimately compete.Key Highlights"We can get government moving faster, but that's not the same as moving fast." Jack's honest take on the pace of public sector change.The Alstom Deal: Navigating a near-$3 billion federal contract while managing a famously hostile relationship between two of New York's most powerful political figures.Staying in Buffalo: Turning down a path to Washington to invest in a community many of his peers were leaving.Organ Transplant: A life-altering health crisis that reshaped his personal and professional path.AI in Government: Firsthand account of educating legislators on frontier AI models and the RAISE Act."Intelligence guided by experience": The firm's philosophy, and how it plays out in weekly intelligence briefings and client strategy.Key TakeawaysRelationships are the foundation of advocacy. Knowing the players (and being trusted by them) is what separates effective advocates ...

April 7, 2026Episode 151 min

Dan Magnuszewski & Nicholas Barone of Radial Ventures

Building Buffalo's Startup Ecosystem From Open Coffee Clubs to ACV Auctions with Nick Barone & Dan MagnuszewskiIn this episode of Empire State Entrepreneurs, David Pfalzgraf sits down with two of the driving forces behind Buffalo's thriving tech and startup scene - Nick Barone and Dan Magnuszewski, co-founders of ACV Auctions and partners at Radial Ventures.Nick and Dan trace their paths from early grassroots "Open Coffee Club" meetups in 2009 to co-founding ACV Auctions, the digital automotive auction platform that went public in March 2021 after just six years and explosive 350% year-over-year growth. Along the way, they share candid stories about selling a house with a one-year-old at home, landing their first investors, and scaling from three people to over 2,000 employees.But this episode is about more than one company's success story. Nick and Dan dig into what happens when a community decides to turn a happy accident into a repeatable system. They discuss the 43 North Foundation - built in part from the economic windfall of ACV's exit - and its four pillars: talent development, corporate connectivity, brand building, and the venture studio model powering Radial Ventures. Their message is clear: Buffalo doesn't need Silicon Valley. It needs intentional collaboration, no-ego partnerships, and a long-term commitment to building the ecosystem from the ground up.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or simply someone who cares about the future of business in Western New York, this conversation is full of hard-won lessons and real optimism about what's being built right here in Buffalo.• Nick Barone and Dan Magnuszewski share how Buffalo's startup scene grew from informal Twitter meetups and coffee shop gatherings in 2009 into a structured, thriving tech ecosystem• The origin story of ACV Auctions — how a chance conversation led to co-founding one of Buffalo's biggest startup success stories, culminating in a 2021 IPO• What it really takes to go all-in on a startup: selling your house, ditching a steady income, and betting on yourself with a one-year-old at home• How ACV scaled from 3 employees to over 2,000, achieving 350% year-over-year growth — and what that kind of hypergrowth actually feels like from the inside• The founding and vision of the 43 North Foundation, and how the ACV exit created resources to invest back into Buffalo's next generation of. entrepreneurs• A breakdown of 43 North's four pillars: talent development, corporate connectivity, storytelling/brand building, and the venture studio model• Inside Radial Ventures — a hands-on venture studio that lets founders keep their day jobs while an experienced team builds the company alongside them• Why Nick and Dan believe collaboration, not competition, is the key to sustaining a healthy startup ecosystem• The importance of corporate engagement in the startup world — and why Buffalo's established companies have a critical role to play in what comes next• Practical wisdom for first-time founders: why there's no parachute, how to learn from failure, and why showing up to the community early matters more than you think

February 3, 2026Episode 1012 min

Empire State Entrepreneurs: Season 2 Best Of

As Season Two comes to a close, Empire State Entrepreneurs takes a step back to reflect on the conversations, insights, and moments that defined the past nine episodes.This special best-of episode brings together standout clips, along with several never-before-heard moments, from business owners, creatives, technologists, and community leaders who shared candid perspectives on building, protecting, and growing businesses in New York State.From the evolving role of AI in traditionally conservative professions, to the parallels between entrepreneurship and filmmaking, to hard-earned lessons about passion, purpose, and sustainability, these conversations highlight the realities behind success—not just the headlines.Whether you’ve followed the podcast all season or you’re joining for the first time, this episode offers a thoughtful look back at the ideas that resonated most and the lessons worth revisiting as we look ahead.Episode Highlights & Key ThemesThe Practical Reality of AI in the Legal ProfessionGuests discuss how AI is already reshaping legal work—not by replacing judgment, but by automating time-intensive tasks like citation checks, legal research validation, and brief review. The takeaway: meaningful AI adoption happens in small, deliberate steps, not by handing over full decision-making.Old Technology, New AudiencesFrom vinyl records to high-end audio systems, what was once considered legacy technology is finding new life with younger generations. The tactile, intentional experience of music - paired with the accessibility of streaming - has become a bridge between generations and a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean abandoning the past.Entrepreneurship Through a Creative LensFilmmaking is framed as entrepreneurship in its purest form: assembling teams, managing capital, competing across markets, and building something larger than yourself. The conversation highlights Buffalo’s growing creative economy and the persistence required to build sustainable ecosystems outside traditional hubs.The Power of a Clear Creative FoundationA decades-old creative brief remains the guiding force behind award-winning work, underscoring the value of clarity, discipline, and consistency. Tools and trends change, but a strong foundation continues to drive results.Innovation That Creates Jobs and CommunitiesFrom AI-driven construction platforms to solar technology and semiconductor innovation, guests reflect on how venture-backed ideas scale into real-world impact; creating jobs, attracting talent, and strengthening regional economies.Arts, Education, and Lasting ImpactArts education programs demonstrate how confidence, communication, and collaboration can transform young people in a matter of weeks. These experiences reinforce the role of business and community leaders in creating access and opportunity.Passion Isn’t Enough...And That’s OkayOne of the season’s most reflective moments challenges the “follow your passion” narrative. Sustainable success lives at the intersection of passion, competence, and compensation—an insight especially relevant for founders navigating career pivots and new ventures.

December 2, 2025Episode 949 min

Michael Serotte of Serotte Law

In this episode of Empire State Entrepreneurs, host David Rupp sits down with longtime friend and renowned immigration attorney Michael Serotte, founding partner of Serotte Law. Known for his deep expertise in business immigration and an entrepreneurial approach to law, Michael shares the remarkable story behind building one of the country’s most respected immigration practices—right from Buffalo, NY.Michael’s path wasn’t traditional. From accounting to entrepreneurship to mountaineering, his story is driven by curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to bet on himself. He talks candidly about getting fired from early legal jobs, discovering immigration law almost by accident, the pivotal case that shaped his future, and how a single client relationship ultimately opened doors to Silicon Valley’s startup ecosystem.Michael and David also explore:How immigration law became a strategic business opportunityThe origins of Serotte Law and its rise as a go-to firm for venture-backed foundersThe impact of AI on the legal profession—and why hospitality still winsThe importance of strategic partners, including his longtime colleague Rita RaghavanThe power of relationships and serendipity in entrepreneurshipMichael’s passion for physical fitness, mountaineering, and personal challengeThis is an inspiring, funny, and insightful conversation about risk-taking, reinvention, and building a business with intention—with plenty of Buffalo flavor, sports talk, and entrepreneurial wisdom along the way.Episode HighlightsMichael’s Early Life & Buffalo RootsComes from a three-generation legal family, though immigration wasn’t initially part of the plan.Shares a poignant memory from 1984 with his father—the lesson to “look up” and appreciate the beauty in life.Learned humility and perspective through difficult early-career experiences.Career Detours and Hard LessonsFired from multiple early jobs, often for refusing to follow “the way things have always been done.”Spent time in accounting, real estate development, and a fascinating but short-lived consulting role in Washington, DC.Waiting tables in DC became one of his most formative professional experiences.Discovering Immigration LawReturned to Buffalo in 1992 to work with his father’s former partners in an immigration-only practice.Quickly saw the unique business model of immigration law—particularly its flat-fee structure and opportunities for process optimization.Realized that immigration law offered the perfect blend of entrepreneurial clients, federal practice freedom, and process-driven efficiency.A Precedent Case That Changed EverythingHelped a client’s developmentally disabled sister obtain citizenship through a creative, unconventional approach.The case later became federal precedent—cementing Michael’s reputation for innovative problem-solving.The Breakthrough: Silicon ValleyLeft his firm in 1997 to start Serotte Law, beginning with five clients in a Kenmore basement.A long-term client, Lev, built and sold a telecom startup for over $1B—opening doors for Michael in the Bay Area.Represented Stanford founders, joined the StartX ecosystem, and became a go-to immigration counsel for venture-backed startups.Building a Modern Immigration FirmGrew Serotte Law to 30+ employees, serving clients nationwide.Credits much of the firm’s success to partner Rita Raghavan and her operational leadership.Believes immigration law is increasingly shaped by:AI-driven process improvementsCompetition based on service, not priceDeep client relationships and responsivenessThe importance of hospitality in legal practiceAI, the Future of Law & Empowering Underserved ClientsAI raises the baseline, enabling weaker lawyers to perform better—but also pushing great lawyers to differentiate through service.Sees an opportunity to democratize high-quality immigration guidance with lower-cost, tech-enabled solutions.Life Beyond Law: Fitness, Friendship & MountainsShares stories of his mountaineering adventures, including summiting Mount Rainier.Training now to climb Pico de Orizaba (18,500 ft) in Mexico.Believes physical challenge fuels mental clarity, discipline, and resilience.What’s NextRemains energized by business challenges, problem-solving, and serving the next generation of immigrant entrepreneurs.Envisions a future where immigration knowledge becomes more accessible and more affordable through technology.

November 4, 2025Episode 847 min

Tricia Barrett of Crowley Webb

Tricia Barrett is the Chief Executive Officer at Crowley Webb and Praxis. Recognized in Business First’s Power 200 (ranked as high as #62), she serves on boards including United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, Buffalo Prep, and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. A Buffalo native, she studied communications at John Carroll University, and once completed a semester at sea on a 134-foot sailboat.Highlights includeBuffalo beginnings & education: Elmwood Franklin, Buffalo Seminary, Williamsville South; communications at John Carroll; life-changing Semester at Sea.Early career in advertising: Client service at The Wolf Group (Cleveland & Rochester), working on Dirt Devil, Wegmans, and tourism.Coming home to Buffalo: Joining Crowley Webb; learning from agency legends and a culture built on loyalty and longevity.Acquiring Praxis: Why Crowley Webb took the “unusual” leap to acquire a client (2010), Tricia’s shift into operations, and the art + science + skill model that followed.From creative boutique to analytics leader: Building a 10-person analytics team; proving and predicting performance rather than “throwing it at the wall.”Leading through COVID: Stepping up as a people-first leader; Praxis’s role in recruiting for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine trial; rapid, responsible growth.AI & the next 40 years: Embracing AI across departments, repurposing talent, hiring for new roles (yes, even TikTok specialists), and keeping an independent edge.Brand experiences & content: Event activations like Highmark’s Bills fan storytelling trailer, capturing 800+ fan stories.Service & community: Social justice focus; being intentional with board service and time outside work.Personal notes: Travel, time on the water, hockey-aunt life, learning golf...and a two truths gem: fly-fishing with President Carter.Key TakeawaysPurposeful > reactive: Strategic pauses and intentional choices lead to durable growth.Sometimes tried-and-true wins: Refining proven processes can outperform constant reinvention.Greatest risk can be not taking one: Crowley Webb’s acquisition of Praxis reshaped the agency.Art + science drives results: Creativity lands harder when paired with analytics and proof.Leaders serve first: Tricia’s mantra (“Serve”) guided COVID-era leadership and culture.Careers aren’t ladders anymore: Think jungle gym - lateral moves, new skills, evolving roles.Embrace AI thoughtfully: Use it to elevate thinkers, efficiency, and client outcomes—not replace judgment.

October 7, 2025Episode 71 hr 9 min

John Osberg of WNY PGA

In this episode of the Empire State Entrepreneurs: New York Business Law Podcast, host David Pfalzgraf welcomes longtime friend and community leader John Osberg - entrepreneur, endurance athlete, growth strategist, and current Director of Development & Partnerships for the PGA of America – Western New York Section.John’s story is anything but linear. From unexpected opportunities in Buffalo’s early startup scene to founding his own consulting firm and now advancing golf’s role in community engagement, John shares the lessons of grit, resilience, and open-mindedness that shaped his path.The conversation touches on:Lessons learned from working in Buffalo startups before the rise of 43North.How LinkedIn became a cornerstone for John’s professional and community connections, well before it was mainstream.His work with the PGA of America to expand access, support veterans, and diversify the game of golf.The role of physical and mental health in entrepreneurship, including his journey from unhealthy habits to ultra-endurance athlete.Why “training for life” and setting intentional goals are essential for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone striving for impact.Episode HighlightsFrom Jaguar to Startup Office: John recalls the day he showed up to his first tech interview in 2012—only to find the “headquarters” was in an apartment. That moment launched a five-year crash course in grit and resilience.Ahead of the Curve on LinkedIn: Encouraged by his father in 2008, John built a professional brand early on LinkedIn that continues to shape his career opportunities and impact.Golf as a Platform for Good: In his current PGA role, John is leading initiatives that support youth development, diversify the sport, and, through PGA HOPE, literally save veterans’ lives.Training for Life: After hitting rock bottom in 2019, John cut out alcohol, rebuilt his health, and discovered ultra-endurance sports as a path to physical strength, mental clarity, and community leadership.Mind Over Miles: John joined Buffalo’s 24-hour run/walk for mental health awareness—logging 70 miles and showing the next generation of leaders what it means to go all in.Entrepreneurial Mindsets: Resilience, open-mindedness, and “GSD” (get stuff done) remain the core principles that have carried John across industries and into his dream role.

September 2, 2025Episode 645 min

Sam Marrazzo of Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

In this episode, David sits down with Sam Marrazzo, Chief Innovation Officer at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) and adjunct professor at UB School of Management.They cover Sam’s remarkable career journey, from immigrating from Calabria, serving in the U.S. Navy, and leading R&D at Praxair, to becoming a champion of Buffalo’s startup and innovation community. Sam highlights real-world examples of startups that thrived with BNMC support, the qualities he looks for in entrepreneurs, and how he helps business leaders embrace technology and AI.Listeners will also hear how UB’s student projects are transforming local companies, why data governance is the foundation for any AI initiative, and what businesses should do now to prepare for the future.From Italy to Buffalo: Sam shares his journey as an Italian immigrant, his U.S. Navy service working on F-18 electronics, and how curiosity for technology shaped his career.Corporate to Community: After years at Praxair leading R&D projects, Sam shifted focus to Buffalo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through the BNMC.Innovation in Healthcare: Example of helping Dr. Rifkin launch a disruptive sleep apnea platform, moving care from clinics to patients’ homes.Startup Stories: How BNMC guided companies like Sam Starks’ Green Project from concept to acquisition in just a few years.What Makes Entrepreneurs Successful: Grit, domain expertise, and the ability to stay “in the batter’s box” despite setbacks.AI & the Future of Business: Sam discusses his AI-focused teaching at UB, real-world projects with businesses, and why data governance is the critical first step for companies exploring AI.Partnership with UB Students: Unique capstone program where graduate students work directly with companies (law firms, manufacturers, tech startups) to deliver practical AI and innovation projects.Caution & Opportunity with AI: The tools are powerful, but companies must prepare by consolidating data, governing access, and aligning strategy to avoid falling behind.Personal Note: Sam shares his recent cycling adventure up the Stelvio Pass in Italy, starting in sunshine and ending in a snowstorm at nearly 10,000 feet.

August 5, 2025Episode 544 min

Colleen Heidinger and Pete Grum of 43North

The city of Buffalo and the surrounding region have experienced a renaissance over the last 10-15 years, and in that time, 43North has played a huge role in attracting businesses to the area. On this episode of Empire State Entrepreneurs, host Dave Pfalzgraf connects with Colleen Heidinger and Pete Grum to discuss the competition, the organization's impact, and how Buffalo has become a place that entrepreneurs flourish.Episode Highlights0:01:30 – David Pfalzgraf welcomes listeners to Year 2 of the podcast and introduces guests Colleen Heidinger and Pete Grum.0:05:10 – Pete Grum reflects on his path to Buffalo, career at Rand Capital, and transition into impact investing at Advantage Capital.0:15:40 – Investing in people: Pete shares the backstory of investing in early internet ventures, including Check.com and ACV Auctions.0:20:10 – Colleen details her move from LA and DreamWorks Animation back to Buffalo, inspired by the Buffalo Billion and a desire to give back.0:26:30 – Founding days of 43North: chaos, creativity, and creating a startup accelerator without a playbook.0:34:00 – Changing Buffalo’s mindset: from exporting talent to cultivating belief in the city’s entrepreneurial potential.0:39:25 – Colleen shares how she unexpectedly became President of 43North in 2020, just weeks before the pandemic hit.0:45:15 – Scaling the mission: from national press and ACV to deeper local impact through grants, programs, and career fairs.0:49:45 – The story of Top Seedz: a 43North-backed business that’s changing lives and hiring refugees in Buffalo.0:54:00 – Pete introduces the 43North Foundation: how it's using proceeds from successful exits to reinvest in the ecosystem.1:00:30 – What’s ahead in 2025: a competitive application cycle, five $1 million investments, and continued national attention.1:05:50 – The call to action: how Buffalo’s business leaders can support startups through investment, mentorship, and corporate partnerships.1:13:10 – Final thoughts: legacy, mindset, and how 43North is rewriting Buffalo’s story, one startup at a time.

July 1, 2025Episode 450 min

Peter McGennis, Multi-Media Storyteller

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, host David Pfalzgraf welcomes his lifelong friend, creative force, and Buffalo native Pete McGennis. From childhood memories in Buffalo to the creation of Harley-Davidson’s only co-branded product, and now seven feature films and counting, Pete’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, storytelling, and following your joy.They reflect on Pete’s early entrepreneurial adventures, including building a national brand (Cool Sack), and dive deep into his evolution as a filmmaker and creative entrepreneur. Along the way, Pete shares life lessons on adversity, creative risk, community-building, and why time - and joy - are the most valuable currencies.Episode Highlights: Pete and David's lifelong friendship, growing up in Buffalo How childhood creativity and sports laid the foundation for storytelling From college theater to summers in LA, and a return to Buffalo with new perspective The birth of “Cool Sack,” transforming a family idea into a Harley-Davidson success story Lessons from 14 years working with Harley, manufacturing locally, and facing a corporate pivot How losing the Harley contract sparked Pete’s full leap into filmmaking The bold decision to shoot a feature film in New Orleans and the fear, risk, and joy that came with it Telling Buffalo’s stories: Crystal Beach, Queen City, and Bubble Girl Why storytelling is a service, and how Pete helps businesses share their purpose through music and film Sneak peek into his new film St. Peter Street, a Buffalo–New Orleans musical comedy Reflections on creative purpose, time as currency, and building a life centered on joy Pete’s next dream: a solo album, new films, and helping others find purpose through storyKey Takeaways:Adversity often hides opportunity. Pete’s biggest creative breakthroughs came after career challenges.Joy is the compass. Whether creating for film, business, or music, Pete’s north star is always joy and connection.Time is currency. Choose wisely where your energy goes - it’s your greatest creative asset.Buffalo is a muse. From storytelling to location filming, the Queen City is deeply embedded in Pete’s work and identity.