Pain Points

Hosted by StaffBuffalo Team

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to StaffBuffalo’s Pain Points Podcast, your go-to source for insightful conversations around the pain points businesses and people face in today's workplace! Our staffing, recruiting, and human resources firm delves deep into the pain points that organizations encounter across various domains. We tackle business pain points head-on, leveraging our knowledge and expertise to talk through potential solutions and explore the intricacies of Talent Acquisition, Recruiting, Marketing, Human Resources, and more! Join us as we engage in real world discussions that not only shed light on the many hurdles businesses encounter, but also on how you can overcome hurdles through the People side of your business. Hear from our team of seasoned professionals, industry experts, thought leaders, and guests! We bring you real stories, practical strategies, and the latest trends in the world of recruiting, staffing, and human resources!

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52 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 5544 min

Illuminating Brilliance: Pain Points of Helping Others Reach Their Potential

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Patti Stephen, President of Buffalo Prep and CEO & Co-Founder of C3 Community, for a conversation about leadership, educational equity, workplace culture, and what it means to truly help people thrive. Patti shares her incredible journey from joining Buffalo Prep nearly two decades ago as a part-time special events coordinator to leading one of Western New York's most impactful nonprofit organizations. Along the way, she discovered a passion for creating environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Together, Lauren and Patti discuss: The Pain Points of stepping into leadership before feeling fully prepared Building a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and connection Why people want to know they matter and that their work has value The role positive psychology plays in leadership and well-being Supporting employees, students, and families as whole people Creating workplaces where people feel cared for, capable, and connected The importance of educational equity and expanding opportunities for students How C3 Community is helping organizations build stronger workplace cultures Patti also shares the story behind Buffalo Prep's incredible growth, from serving a few hundred students to supporting nearly 800 scholars through academic, wellness, leadership, and equity-focused programming. One of the most powerful themes throughout this conversation is the idea of "illuminating brilliance." Patti believes everyone has unique strengths and potential. Sometimes people simply need the right environment, support system, and encouragement to discover it. Whether you are leading a team, navigating a career transition, or looking for ways to create a stronger culture within your organization, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiring perspective. 💼 Connect with Patti Stephen, Buffalo Prep & C3 Community Website: buffaloprep.com Website: c3community.com LinkedIn: Patti Stephen 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

May 26, 2026Episode 5440 min

Career Growth, Culture and Community: Pain Points of Building Purposeful Work

In this episode, Lauren Lewis visits Say Yes Buffalo and sits down with Collin Gehl, Chief Human Resources Officer, for a conversation about career growth, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and the importance of helping people see what is possible for themselves. Collin shares his journey from earning an English degree at UB to finding his way into human resources through nonprofit work, organizational leadership, and a passion for helping people grow. His path was anything but traditional, and that is exactly what makes this conversation so relatable. Together, Lauren and Collin discuss: Why career paths are rarely linear The importance of mentorship and professional development Building trust as an HR leader How workplace culture impacts retention and employee satisfaction Why employees need career conversations, not just job descriptions Supporting staff as people first, workers second The importance of leadership development inside organizations How Say Yes Buffalo is helping students from early education through workforce development The impact of apprenticeship programs and career exposure opportunities Collin also talks about how Say Yes Buffalo has grown over the years and the incredible work the organization is doing to support students and families throughout Buffalo and now Niagara Falls. What really stands out in this episode is the focus on people. Whether it is supporting employees, mentoring emerging leaders, or helping students discover career opportunities, the conversation keeps coming back to the same idea: people thrive when someone believes in them and gives them the tools to succeed. If you are navigating your own career path, leading a team, or thinking about workplace culture and employee growth, this episode is packed with insight and perspective. 💼 Connect with Say Yes Buffalo & Collin Gehl Website: sayyesbuffalo.org LinkedIn: Collin Gehl 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

May 12, 2026Episode 531 hr 1 min

International Business, Risk and Reinvention: Pain Points of Evolving Through Change

In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with David Herer, former CEO of ABC-Amega, for a conversation that spans generations of business, international expansion, family dynamics, and what it really takes to lead through uncertainty. David shares the incredible story of how his family business started during the Great Depression and eventually evolved into an internationally recognized company serving major organizations around the world. From building relationships overseas to navigating leadership transitions inside a family business, David gives an honest look at the highs and lows that came with leading a company for decades. Together, Maggie and David discuss: The challenges of working in a multi-generation family business Growing a company internationally before modern technology existed Building trust and relationships across different countries and cultures Navigating conflict between family and business decisions The importance of bringing in outside advisors and leadership support What happens when major clients suddenly disappear Managing through difficult economic periods and uncertainty Knowing when it is time to step away and sell a business David also shares stories about traveling internationally with his father, building global partnerships, and eventually helping lead ABC-Amega to national recognition, including receiving the President’s “E Star” Award for export service excellence. What makes this episode so interesting is how honest it is. It is not just about success. It is about pressure, responsibility, family relationships, and learning how to adapt over time. If you are part of a family business, leading a company through change, or thinking about long-term succession planning, this conversation is full of lessons you can take with you. 💼 Connect with David Herer & ABC-Amega LinkedIn: David Herer 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

April 24, 2026Episode 5237 min

Building Thurgood: Pain Points of Creating Opportunity in the Trades

Lauren Lewis sits down with Darnell Epps, founder of Thurgood, for a conversation that is both inspiring and incredibly real. Darnell shares his journey from growing up in New York City, facing early challenges, and eventually working his way to Cornell and Yale Law School. But what makes his story stand out is what happened next. Instead of following a traditional legal path, he made a decision most people would never consider. He enrolled in trade school while still in law school. That experience opened his eyes to a much bigger problem. There is a huge gap between skilled workers and the opportunities available to them, and not enough tools to connect the two. That is where Thurgood comes in. Together, Lauren and Darnell talk about: Why more people are starting to take careers in the trades seriously The gap between education, training, and real job opportunities What made him step outside the traditional path and take a risk The challenges of building a tech platform from scratch Why exposure and awareness matter for younger students How Thurgood helps people actually show their skills, not just list them The importance of community, mentorship, and second chances What it really looks like to build something while learning on the fly Darnell also shares how Thurgood is helping students create portfolios, connect with employers, and build real career paths in industries that are in high demand. This episode is a great reminder that success does not always follow a straight line. Sometimes the best opportunities come from doing something completely different. Connect with Darnell Epps & Thurgood Website: thurgood.work Email: darnell@thurgood.work LinkedIn: Darnell Epps Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

April 1, 2026Episode 5139 min

Why Money Feels So Emotional: Pain Points We Don’t Talk About

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Christine Mathieu, B. Msc., CMC®, Wealth Coach and Certified Money Coach at Note Advisors, for a conversation that goes way beyond numbers and into how we actually think and feel about money. Christine shares her journey from spending 20 years as a financial advisor to shifting into wealth coaching after realizing something important – logic alone does not drive financial decisions. A lot of the time, fear is what takes over. Together, Lauren and Christine talk through: Why our relationship with money starts earlier than we think How fear and past experiences shape financial decisions The difference between financial planning and wealth coaching Why mindset plays such a big role in how we handle money What scarcity vs. abundance really looks like in everyday life How slowing down decisions can lead to better outcomes The connection between money, identity, and self-worth Why money is not just about numbers, but about behavior Christine also explains how she works alongside financial advisors to support clients in a different way. While advisors focus on the numbers, her focus is on the person behind them and what is driving their decisions. This episode is a reminder that money is not just a financial topic. It is personal, emotional, and often tied to experiences we may not even realize are influencing us. If you have ever felt stressed, unsure, or stuck when it comes to money, this conversation will give you a different perspective.💼 Connect with Christine Mathieu Website: noteadvisor.com LinkedIn: Christine Mathieu 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

March 17, 2026Episode 5049 min

Data, Advocacy and Impact: Pain Points of Driving Change for Women

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Sheri Scavone, CEO of the WNY Women’s Foundation, for a conversation that is honest, eye-opening, and incredibly relevant right now. Sheri shares her journey from healthcare and public health into nonprofit leadership, and how that path led her to focus on advocacy, data, and driving real change for women and families across Western New York. They get into some big topics, including: Why childcare is one of the biggest barriers facing working families How the current system is failing both parents and providers The reality of women leaving the workforce at higher rates What the data actually shows about pay gaps and opportunity How policy, culture, and systems all play a role in equity The impact of programs like education-to-employment pathways Why representation and leadership still matter more than ever Sheri also talks about how the WNY Women’s Foundation uses data to guide everything they do, from advocacy to program development, and why pairing real stories with real numbers is what drives change. This conversation touches on work, family, leadership, and the everyday decisions people are forced to make just to keep moving forward. If you are a business leader, a working parent, or just someone trying to understand what is really going on in today’s workforce, this episode is worth your time. 💼 Connect with WNY Women’s Foundation Website: wnywomensfoundation.org 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

March 4, 2026Episode 4935 min

White-Glove Retirement Planning: Pain Points of Compliance & Employee Benefits

In this episode, Lauren Lewis visits ACSI and sits down with James Brand, President, and Kristen Huffcut, Senior Relationship Manager, to discuss the complexities of retirement plans and why many employers struggle to manage them. ACSI is a third-party administrator (TPA) specializing in retirement plan compliance, administration, and support for small and mid-sized businesses. Their team helps companies navigate the legal, operational, and regulatory requirements behind retirement plans so business owners can focus on running their organizations. Lauren, James, and Kristen discuss: What a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) actually does Why retirement plans are becoming more complex The impact of legislation like Secure 2.0 and New York Secure Choice Why many companies run into compliance problems The role of TPAs in fixing plan issues and avoiding costly penalties Why local expertise and real relationships matter in retirement planning How retirement benefits help companies attract and retain talent The importance of proactive guidance instead of reactive problem-solving James also shares his unique career journey, from working in finance in New York City, to returning to Buffalo and eventually becoming President of ACSI. Kristen explains how her experience working with retirement plans from the advisor side led her to join the ACSI team and help businesses deliver a true white-glove service experience to their employees. If you’re a business owner, HR professional, or financial advisor navigating retirement plan compliance and employee benefits, this episode breaks down the pain points behind retirement planning and how to solve them. 💼 Connect with ACSI Website: https://acsi-ny.com/ Email: jbrand@acsi-ny.com 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpointsSocials: @StaffBuffalo

February 17, 2026Episode 4829 min

Background Checks & Big Responsibility: Pain Points of Protecting Your Business

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Carmelo Morreale, Owner and Partner of Metrodata Services, a nationally accredited pre-employment screening company based in Buffalo, NY. Carm shares his journey from starting as an intern in 2009 to eventually purchasing the company with his business partner in 2022. What started as “just a job” turned into a career rooted in accountability, compliance, and community. Together, Lauren and Carm discuss: The pain points of buying the business you once worked for What national accreditation really means in the background screening industry Why transparency matters — with clients and with your team The real cost of a bad hire (and why screening matters more than ever) Automation, compliance, and how the industry has evolved The importance of consent, privacy, and doing things the right way How strong partnerships (in business and with clients) drive growth Building a team culture rooted in accountability and serviceThey also dive into the nuances of pre-employment screening, from drug testing to international checks to continuous monitoring. They explain why education and customer service are just as important as the report itself.If you’re a business owner, HR leader, or hiring manager, this episode offers a practical and honest look at what happens behind the scenes before someone joins your team, and why it matters.💼 Connect with Metrodata Services & Carm Morreale Website: https://www.metrocheck.com LinkedIn: Carmelo Morreale Social: Metrodata Services 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: https://staffbuffalo.com Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints Socials: @StaffBuffalo

February 4, 2026Episode 4736 min

Teaching Confidence with Money: Pain Points of Financial Planning

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Angela Hall, PhD, CFP, Senior Advisor at Note Advisors, for a refreshing and honest conversation about financial literacy, career pivots, and making money conversations less scary, and a lot more human. Angela shares her nontraditional path into finance, starting her career in biology and education before finding her calling as a financial advisor. With more than 15 years of experience, a PhD in Leadership and Policy, and a passion for teaching, Angela has built a career around helping individuals, families, and business owners truly understand their finances, not just manage them. Together, Lauren and Angela discuss: The pain points of switching careers and trusting the processWhy financial literacy is missing and desperately needed How intimidation keeps people from asking financial questions Making finance approachable through education, humor, and real-life examples Helping women feel confident in financial decision-making Supporting business owners with employee retention and benefits Why financial wellness matters just as much as compensation Navigating TikTok advice, AI, and misinformation around money The importance of trust, accessibility, and long-term relationships Angela also shares how she works closely with HR leaders and business owners to support employees through education, retirement planning, and real-world financial challenges, meeting people where they are, without judgment. This episode is packed with insight, warmth, and practical wisdom for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by money conversations or wondered if they were “behind.” 💼 Connect with Note Advisors & Angela Hall Website: https://www.noteadvisor.com LinkedIn: Angela Hall Email: angela@noteadvisor.com 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: https://staffbuffalo.com Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints Socials: @StaffBuffalo

January 7, 2026Episode 4642 min

Purpose, People & Mental Health: Pain Points of Building Community Impact

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Christina Pearl, Corporate Director of Communications at Horizon Health Services, for an inspiring conversation about purpose-driven work, mental health advocacy, and the power of connection. Christina shares her journey of returning to Buffalo after college, finding her way through nonprofit board service, and ultimately building Horizon’s communications and marketing function from the ground up. Over her 15+ years with the organization, she’s helped Horizon grow from a few hundred employees to nearly 1,000, all while keeping people, culture, and care at the center of the mission. Together, Lauren and Christina discuss: The pain points of not knowing your career path, and leaning into learning Why joining boards and committees can open unexpected doors How Horizon supports mental health and substance use care across Western New York The importance of internal culture and employees as brand ambassadors Normalizing conversations around mental health and addiction How storytelling builds trust, reduces stigma, and saves lives Collaborating with community partners to expand access to care Why connection, not perfection, is the foundation of leadership Christina also shares powerful stories about community partnerships, family-led advocacy, and Horizon’s 50-year legacy of meeting people where they are. This episode is a reminder that meaningful careers are built through curiosity, compassion, and showing up for others. 💼 Connect with Horizon Health Services & Christina Pearl Website: https://horizon-health.org/ LinkedIn: Christina Pearl Email: cpearl@horizon-health.org 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: https://staffbuffalo.com Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints Socials: @StaffBuffalo