Standing on Business

Episode 14 Dr. Emad Rahim: From Survival to Significance | Building a Life of Impact

How do you go from being born in a Cambodian concentration camp to becoming an entrepreneur, professor, author, and leader helping shape the future of an entire community? In this episode of Standing on Business, we sit down with Dr. Emad Rahim, entrepreneur, educator, author, and Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development at Bellevue University. Dr. Rahim shares an extraordinary journey marked by unimaginable adversity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others. From surviving the Cambodian genocide and growing up in poverty to earning multiple doctoral degrees, launching businesses, authoring books, and becoming a nationally recognized voice in entrepreneurship and leadership, Dr. Rahim's story is a testament to what's possible when purpose outweighs circumstance. We also explore why Central New York is entering one of the most exciting periods in its history, how entrepreneurs can position themselves for the opportunities ahead, and why success isn't measured by titles or income—but by the impact you leave on others. Whether you're a business owner, student, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone searching for purpose, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom on leadership, resilience, networking, and building a meaningful life. * Surviving the Cambodian genocide and growing up in Brooklyn and Syracuse * Turning adversity into purpose * Entrepreneurship as a vehicle for change * Why opportunity favors those who take action * Building meaningful relationships instead of transactional ones * Networking the right way * The SALT Framework: Survival, Adapting, Love, and Transformation * Writing Resilience: From the Killing Fields to the Boardroom * Why Central New York is positioned for incredible growth * The Inspire Innovation Hub and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs * Creating impact that lasts beyond business success If there's one message throughout this episode, it's this: don't wait for opportunity to find you—be willing to step forward, create value, and help build something bigger than yourself. 🎙️ Standing on Business features conversations with entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders building meaningful, people-first businesses throughout Central New York and beyond. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. Topics discussed:

Episode 13 Dr. John Torrens: Beyond the Hustle Culture | The Reality of Building a $15M Business

What separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else?Is it intelligence? Work ethic? Luck? Or is it something deeper?In this episode of Standing on Business, we sit down with Dr. John Torrens, entrepreneur, investor, former healthcare executive, and Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management.Dr. Torrens shares his journey from launching a speech therapy practice to building a healthcare company with more than 250 employees and $15 million in annual revenue before successfully exiting the business. Along the way, he learned firsthand what it takes to scale organizations, develop leaders, navigate setbacks, and create long-term value.We discuss why entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business, the traits that make entrepreneurs successful, and the growing body of research connecting ADHD and entrepreneurial performance. Dr. Torrens also opens up about burnout, health challenges, and why building a successful company means very little if you sacrifice your well-being in the process.Topics discussed:Are entrepreneurs born or made?The role of ADHD in entrepreneurshipOpportunity recognition and taking actionScaling a business from startup to successful exitHiring, leadership, and company cultureRevenue vs. profitabilityDelegation and building systemsBurnout, health, and entrepreneur wellnessTeaching entrepreneurship at Syracuse UniversityThe future of entrepreneurship in Central New YorkWhether you're a founder, business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply interested in how successful people think, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons from decades of experience.🎙️ Standing on Business features conversations with entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders building meaningful businesses throughout Central New York and beyond.Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

Episode 12 Samantha Lombardi: Growing with Purpose | Building a Business That Reflects Your Values

In this episode of Standing on Business, we sit down with Dr. Samantha Lombardi, founder of Primal Chiropractic, to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, health, and what it means to build a business rooted in purpose. From launching a specialized chiropractic practice focused on families, pediatrics, and prenatal care to growing a thriving team in Central New York, Dr. Lombardi shares the lessons she's learned along the way.The conversation explores the importance of authenticity in business, creating a strong team culture, navigating growth, and staying connected to your mission as an owner. Dr. Lombardi also discusses the role of chiropractic care in overall wellness, the connection between the nervous system and everyday health, and why helping people feel seen and supported remains at the heart of everything she does.Whether you're a business owner, healthcare professional, parent, or someone looking to build a life and career with greater intention, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, community, and long-term success.Topics discussed:• Building Primal Chiropractic from the ground up• Leadership, hiring, and growing a team• Why authenticity matters in business• Nervous system health and chiropractic care• Creating a culture people want to be part of• Work-life balance for entrepreneurs• The future of health and wellness in CNY• Building community through businessStanding on Business is a podcast featuring entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders who are building meaningful, people-first businesses throughout Central New York and beyond.

Episode 11 Joseph Dougherty: The Business of Homeownership | Why Waiting Costs More Than You Think

For many people, homeownership feels further away than ever. Rising home prices, higher interest rates, and constant headlines about the housing market have left many would-be buyers sitting on the sidelines. But what if waiting is actually costing you more? In this episode of Standing on Business, Joseph Dougherty, VP of Lending at CrossCountry Mortgage, breaks down the realities of today's housing market and shares why many people are closer to homeownership than they think. With more than two decades in the mortgage industry, Joe explains how financing strategies, preparation, and the right team can help buyers compete in a fast-moving market. We also discuss common misconceptions about interest rates, first-time homebuyer mistakes, investment properties, and why trying to time the market is often the wrong move. Beyond mortgages, this conversation is about trust, relationships, and helping people make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives with confidence. Topics covered: * Why waiting to buy a home may cost more than you think * First-time homebuyer advice and common mistakes * The reality of today's interest rates * How to compete in a competitive housing market * Investment properties and building wealth through real estate * Syracuse's growing real estate market and the Micron effect * Mortgage myths and misconceptions * Leadership, mentorship, and building high-performing teams * Why trust is the foundation of the mortgage business Whether you're thinking about buying your first home, expanding a real estate portfolio, or simply trying to understand where the market is headed, this episode provides practical insights from someone who's spent 24 years helping people navigate the homeownership journey. 🎙️ Standing on Business Available on all podcast platforms. Subscribe for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders building meaningful businesses across Central New York and beyond.

Episode 10 Sara Schiavone: Creating Success On Your Own Terms | Building a Career That Fits Your Life

What if success wasn’t about climbing the ladder as fast as possible? What if it was about building a career that actually supports the life you want to live? In this episode of Standing on Business, Sara Schiavone shares her journey into real estate, the lessons she's learned along the way, and why she believes alignment matters more than chasing someone else's definition of success. We discuss the realities of building a career in real estate, creating flexibility and freedom through entrepreneurship, and the importance of designing a life that reflects your priorities rather than letting work dictate them. Sara also shares insights on relationships, networking, serving clients well, and how authenticity has helped her build trust in a people-first industry. Topics covered: * Building a career around your life instead of the other way around * What success really means in different seasons of life * The realities of working in real estate * Creating flexibility and freedom through entrepreneurship * Building relationships and trust in a people-driven business * Networking, personal branding, and community involvement * Taking ownership of your future This conversation is a reminder that success isn't one-size-fits-all. The best career might not be the one that pays the most or looks the most impressive—it might be the one that allows you to live the life you actually want. 🎙️ Standing on Business Available on all podcast platforms. Subscribe for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders building meaningful businesses across Central New York and beyond.