Episode 4 Tony Calascibetta: From the Counter to the Cornerstone

Episode 9 Ashlee Fiorini | Why People Need Third Spaces Again: How Fitness Became More Than a Workout

After COVID, people weren’t just looking for workouts anymore. They were looking for connection. In this episode of Standing on Business, Ashlee Fiorini shares the story behind Pulse Lagree Fitness and how she turned a series of pop-up classes into one of Syracuse’s newest boutique fitness studios. From hauling machines in a U-Haul across Central New York to building a thriving community around wellness, this conversation is about betting on yourself before the vision fully exists. We talk about: * Why “third spaces” matter more than ever * The rise of boutique fitness and community-driven experiences * Building a business from pop-ups and word of mouth * Returning to Syracuse after living in Boston and Nashville * Leadership, culture, and creating authentic customer experiences * Community over competition in Central New York * How fitness can completely change your lifestyle and mindset Ashlee also opens up about how Lagree helped pull her out of an unhealthy season of life and reignited her passion for wellness, discipline, and purpose. This episode is about more than fitness. It’s about creating places where people feel connected, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves. 🎙️ Standing on Business Available on all podcast platforms.

Episode 8 Jeff Deloff: Where Craft Meets Chaos | The Truth About the Restaurant Industry

The restaurant industry looks polished from the outside. On the inside, it’s constant pressure, unpredictability, and problem solving in real time. In this episode of Standing on Business, Jeff Deloff, chef and owner of Touche in Syracuse, breaks down what it actually takes to build and run a restaurant. From starting as a dishwasher to leading a full concept built around whole-animal butchery and local sourcing, Jeff shares the reality behind the craft. We talk about slim margins, cash flow challenges, and why this is one of the most unforgiving industries to operate in. Jeff dives into the importance of systems, working with local farmers, adapting to what you have, and building a business that reflects your values instead of chasing trends. This conversation goes beyond food. It’s about discipline, adaptability, leadership, and embracing chaos while still executing at a high level. Topics covered: * Why the restaurant industry is so unpredictable * From dishwasher to owner-operator * Whole-animal butchery and local sourcing * The reality of margins and cash flow * Building systems vs chasing trends * Leadership, delegation, and team culture * Hospitality and creating real experiences 🎙️ Standing on Business Watch or listen on all podcast platforms.

Episode 7 Dan Goldberg: The Habit That Changes Everything | Keeping the Promises You Make

Most people don’t struggle with knowing what to do. They struggle with doing what they said they would do. In this episode of Standing on Business, Dan Goldberg of Syracuse Sweat Club breaks down the habit that impacts every area of your life and business: keeping the promises you make to yourself. We dive into discipline, self-integrity, and the gap between intention and execution. Dan shares how building a business, leading a team, and maintaining personal health all come back to one core principle — doing the work, even when it’s inconvenient. From leaving law school to pursue a meaningful career, to building and evolving a fitness business through multiple industry cycles, this conversation is about long-term thinking, trusting your intuition, and developing the habits that actually move your life forward. Topics covered: * Why self-integrity is the foundation of success * The difference between knowing and doing * Building discipline through daily habits * Lessons from scaling a fitness business * Trusting your intuition in business decisions * Balancing growth, health, and leadership 🎙️ Standing on Business Watch or listen on all podcast platforms.

Episode 6 Alejandro Gonzalez: More than a Menu |The Business of Serving People First

Alejandro Gonzalez didn’t start with investors, generational wealth, or a roadmap. He started washing dishes, watching waiters, saving every dollar, and taking risks most people wouldn’t. From nearly going bankrupt just days before receiving his liquor license to building Margaritas, Tequilas, and Inkas into cultural staples in Syracuse, this episode is about sacrifice, faith, family, and relentless reinvestment. We talk about: * Why the restaurant industry is the easiest business to go bankrupt * The power of risk, preparation, and opportunity colliding * Reinvesting profits instead of chasing lifestyle * Building with partners and why “skin in the game” matters * How social media changed hospitality and atmosphere forever * Faith, prayer, and the turning point that changed everything * Why family is the foundation behind all the success Alejandro shares how he sacrificed a decade of holidays, comfort, and luxury to build something lasting — and why serving people comes before serving profits. This isn’t just a story about restaurants. It’s about discipline, resilience, vision, and standing on something bigger than money. 🎙️ Standing on Business Available on all podcast platforms. Subscribe for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs building meaningful businesses.

Episode 5 Raisa Zhovklaya: Fueling a Franchise: Health as a Business Model

Raisa Zhovklaya is the operator of Project Lean Nation in Syracuse, and her approach to business is rooted in discipline, service, and real lifestyle change. In this episode of Standing on Business, we dive into what it takes to build a wellness brand that goes beyond convenience and creates lasting impact.We talk about transitioning from healthcare into entrepreneurship, building systems that support consistency, and why accountability, education, and community matter more than quick fixes. Raisa shares what separates sustainable health from trends, how to lead a people-first team, and what it looks like to grow a mission-driven business in a results-driven world.This conversation is about leadership under pressure, building trust with your clients, and creating a business that improves lives while still operating with clarity and structure.Topics covered:Building a people-first wellness businessDiscipline, consistency, and long-term healthCreating systems that support real changeLeadership and accountability in service-based brandsGrowing a community around results, not hype🎙️ Standing on BusinessSubscribe for weekly conversations with founders and operators building meaningful businesses.