Building Success Stories with Ann Donnelly

Ray Agnew, Vice President, Hospital & Community Engagement, Glens Falls Hospital

In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with F. Raymond "Ray" Agnew, the Vice President of Hospital and Community Engagement at Glens Falls Hospital. Ray shares his fascinating career trajectory, which began at the Crane School of Music, where he studied music composition and theory. From writing music for the Lake Placid Olympics to leading development and communications efforts at multiple New York colleges and at Glens Falls Hospital, Ray's story highlights the power of relationship-building. He also dives deep into the philosophy of non-profit board management, the complexities of healthcare funding, and the absolute necessity of community partnerships. KEY TAKEAWAYS * A Musical Foundation: Ray's roots are in music composition, a passion he leveraged to write SUNY Geneseo's current alma mater and to compose brass fanfares and a march for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. * The Pivot to Philanthropy: Ray entered the field of institutional advancement through a part-time position at the SUNY Geneseo alumni office, a transition he made while supporting his then-wife during her master's degree studies. * Relationship Building is Key: In development and fundraising, especially for the largest gifts, interpersonal relationship building is the element that truly makes the difference. * The Four W's of Board Service: Ray advises that non-profit board members must be prepared to bring four distinct contributions to the table: Wealth, Wisdom, Work, and a sense of Wonder (a true passion for the mission). * Healthcare is Highly Complex: Guided by early mentors, Ray learned that hospitals are highly complex organizations, requiring strategic shifts - such as joining the Albany Med Health System in 2020 - to preserve regional access to care. * A Massive Regional Lifeline: Glens Falls Hospital is a critical hub, acting as the largest employer in its region and serving a massive 6,000-square-mile area from northern Saratoga County up to Essex County. * Lifelong Community Service: Beyond his professional healthcare role, Ray embodies community leadership by actively serving with the Glens Falls Symphony, High Peaks Hospice, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, and as a Rotarian since 1990. MORE INFORMATION * Connect with Ray on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/f-raymond-agnew-cfre-r-31213612/] * Find out more about Glens Falls Hospital [https://www.albanymed.org/glensfalls/] * See upcoming gigs and watch videos of past performances [http://www.rayagnewsongs.com/] MORE INFORMATION ON RAY'S NON-PROFIT INTERESTS: * Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce [https://www.adirondackchamber.org] * Glens Falls Symphony [https://www.theglensfallssymphony.org/] * Glens Falls Rotary [https://www.glensfallsrotary.com/] * High Peaks Hospice [https://highpeakshospice.org/]

John Snyder, Executive Director, The Park Theater Foundation, Glens Falls, NY

In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with John Snyder, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Park Theater Foundation in Glens Falls, New York. Relocating from a remote village in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, John brings a unique blend of experience in the performing arts and nonprofit leadership to the historic downtown venue. Listen in as they discuss John’s community-driven vision for the theater, exciting new summer programming, and his ultimate goal to get Glens Falls audiences up out of their seats and dancing. Key Takeaways * A Fresh Perspective:John shares his journey from managing a historic 600-seat theater in a 700-person village in Michigan to taking the helm at the Park Theater. With a background encompassing two decades as a performing musician and several years in nonprofit management, he understands both the artist's needs and the operational side of running an arts venue. * Exciting Summer Events:The theater has a packed summer lineup, including a free Friday night concert series at Crandall Park featuring local and regional bands. John also reveals a new "Comedy Underground" series starting June 3. Hosted in the theater's basement space with a speakeasy vibe, the comedy showcases will run on alternating Wednesdays to attract crowds winding down from downtown's "Take a Bite" events. * Bands and Brews:The Foundation is stepping outside its own venue to host "Bands and Brews" on July 25 at the Dancing Grain Farm Brewery. The family-friendly event will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is organized in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks. * Championing Local Nonprofits:Highlighting his core belief that "we all raise each other up," John introduces the theater's new "Nonprofit of the Month" program. The inaugural partner for May is the Moreau Community Center. Patrons who use a dedicated promo code receive a 10% ticket discount, with an additional 10% of the sale donated directly to the partnered center. The Foundation is actively accepting online nominations for future nonprofit partners. * Ways to Support & Engage:The Park Theater Foundation currently operates with a lean staff of 2.5 people and relies heavily on a dedicated roster of volunteers to manage show nights. Local businesses and individuals can support the local arts by becoming sponsors, purchasing memberships, or renting the venue's versatile spaces for private events. More Information * Website:parktheatergf.com [https://parktheatergf.com] This interview was conducted in collaboration with the Glens Falls Business Journal. Click here to read the article online. [https://www.glensfalls.com/glensfallsbusinessjournal/2026/05/park-theater-names-new-executive-director-to-lead-community-focused-growth/]

Kevin O’Brien, President & Insurance Sherpa, TechFirst Insurance

In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Kevin O’Brien, co-founder of TechFirst Insurance Agency. With a career spanning decades—from working with industry giants like Travelers to leading family-run agencies and bank consolidations—Kevin has seen the insurance landscape transform through technology and private equity. Now, Kevin is "starting fresh" with TechFirst, a partnership with Mark Shaw of StoredTech. We dive deep into why human expertise is more critical than ever in an era of automated claims, the rising "hot topic" of cybersecurity for small businesses, and why having a local advocate in your corner can save your business from a traumatic loss. Whether you are a solopreneur thinking no one would ever hack you, or a seasoned business owner navigating rising premiums, this conversation is a masterclass in risk management and community-minded leadership. 🎙️ KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE: * The Cybersecurity Myth:Many small business owners believe they are too small to be targeted. Kevin explains why hackers "dial for dollars" looking for open ports, regardless of business size, and how modern cyber insurance provides more than just a payout—it provides a recovery team and reputation management. * The Independent Agent Advantage:Learn the difference between "captive" agents and independent agents. Kevin explains how having access to 12-15 carriers allows for better "coverage stacks" and competitive pricing that a single-rate company can't match. * Why Local Matters in a Claims Crisis:In a world of AI-generated checks, Kevin discusses the value of a face-to-face relationship. When a "traumatic" event like a fire or a hack occurs, having an agent who can size up the claim before you even call the carrier is vital. * The "Two-to-Four Year" Rule:Kevin shares candid advice for new entrepreneurs: passion is the engine, but time management is the steering wheel. He discusses why most businesses face a "pain period" of 2-4 years before finding their stride. * Giving Back as a Business Strategy:Kevin discusses his deep involvement in the Adirondack community and why the non-profit sector is a major economic driver in the North Country. 🔗 MORE INFORMATION: * TechFirst Insurance Agency [https://www.techfirstinsurance.com/] Enjoyed the episode? Be sure to Subscribe, leave a Review, and Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur! Your support helps us bring more of Upstate New York’s voices of authority to the airwaves. #BuildingSuccessStories #InsuranceTech #CyberSecurity #SmallBusinessTips #GlensFallsNY #Entrepreneurship #RiskManagement

Spencer Bray & Nic Ketter, Founders, Realize Brokers & Consultants, Glens Falls, NY

Disrupting Upstate Real Estate: Technology, Discretion, and the $6.5M Lake George Estate with Realize Brokers Episode Overview: What do aviation, cryptocurrency, and a chance meeting at a local cigar bar have to do with the future of real estate in Glens Falls? In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Spencer Bray and Nic Ketter, the innovative co-founders of Realize Brokers. Rejecting the older, traditional methods of property brokering, this duo is rewriting the rules of the local market. Discover how their unique backgrounds—from fueling planes to working in emerging tech at General Electric—led to a real estate agency built on custom digital marketing, intense discretion, and deep community relationships. Whether you are looking to buy, thinking of selling a business, or just want to understand the shifting landscape of Upstate New York real estate, this episode is packed with insider knowledge. 🎧 In This Episode, You'll Discover: - The Ultimate Side Hustle: How a shared passion for crypto led the founders to start a side business flipping computers, graders, and even an airplane, laying the entrepreneurial groundwork for their brokerage. - Why the MLS Isn't Enough: Learn why relying solely on standard Multiple Listing Service templates puts sellers at a disadvantage, and how Realize Brokers uses custom-built property pages, 3D modeling, and drone tours to capture buyers. - The Peppermill Secret: Hear the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of how the duo used "white-glove" premium service and strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to privately broker the sale of a beloved 30-year-old local restaurant without panicking the staff. - Brokering a $6.5 Million Historic Estate: Get the inside scoop on the prominent sale of the 3.3-acre Green Harbor Mansion on Lake George, and the exciting new plans the buyers have for the property. - Market Insights & Wealth Preservation: Nic and Spencer break down the current "rate lock" keeping residential inventory low, the unique mechanics of commercial turnover, and why real estate remains a powerful "wealth preservation vehicle". - Rejecting the "Eat What You Kill" Culture: Find out why Realize Brokers completely ignores the traditional, hyper-competitive real estate employment model in favor of a small, heavily supported team. Explore Further & Connect: Ready to see their custom property pages or connect with the founders to discuss your real estate needs? - Realize Brokers Website: https://realizebrokers.com/ - Connect with Spencer Bray on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/spencerbray - Connect with Nic Ketter on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nicketter More About the Show & Host: Building Success Stories offers an intimate look at the minds of the innovators and leaders shaping our region's economy. - Ann Donnelly: https://anndonnelly.com and on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/anndonnelly - Building Success Stories: https://anndonnellybuildingsuccessstories.com - North Country Media Network: https://northcountrymedianetwork.com Thanks for tuning into Building Success Stories! The best way to support the local business community is to share this podcast with one other leader who needs a spark today. This conversation began as a feature article for the Saratoga and Glens Falls Business Journals. We've partnered with them to turn those printed insights into broadcast-quality authority assets, allowing you to hear the person behind the business in their own words.

Colleen Carlson, Director of Sales, Saratoga Casino Hotel

In this episode, Ann Donnelly sits down with Colleen Carlson, the Director of Sales at the Saratoga Casino Hotel, to explore a career that spans decades at one of Saratoga’s most iconic properties. From her humble beginnings selling race programs at age 15 to overseeing sales for a massive complex that includes a hotel, casino, fine dining, and elite event spaces, Colleen shares the "magic" behind their "under one roof" strategy. We dive into the evolution of corporate entertainment, the power of authentic community involvement, and how being a "good neighbor" is actually the ultimate sales strategy. KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS * The "Under One Roof" Advantage:Learn how integrating multiple amenities—fromMorton’s The Steakhouseto theVapornightclub and theAdirondack-style Lodge—creates a seamless experience that drives repeat business and simplifies event planning. * Relationship-Driven Sales:Colleen reveals why she doesn't "go out seeking business" in the traditional sense. Instead, her deep-rooted involvement inlocal non-profits and community boardsnaturally funnels high-value events to the property. * The Power of Authenticity:In an industry that can feel corporate, Colleen’s "started at 15" origin story and her focus on genuine connection remind us that people buy from people they trust. * Adapting Facility Use:Discover how the property pivots its spaces—like using theFortune’srestaurant for private events or setting up custom betting stations for corporate parties—to meet modern demands. * Corporate Social Responsibility:A look at the Saratoga Casino Hotel’s commitment to the community, including their$120,000 Giving Tuesdayinitiative and its impact on brand loyalty. MORE INFORMATION * Saratoga Casino Hotel [https://saratogacasino.com/] This interview was held in conjunction with the Saratoga Business Journal.