Hudson Valley Hustle

Fernando Paulino turned his passion for sim racing into a thriving business called FK Sim Solutions, helping racers and gaming enthusiasts build professional racing setups.In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, Fernando shares how he:Started FK Sim Solutions as a side project in his garageBuilt his first rig from scratchGrew his client base through word of mouthBalanced family and businessTurned passion into a full-time careerA must-listen for anyone thinking about turning a hobby into a business.📲 Follow FK Sim SolutionsWebsite: https://fksimsolutions.comInstagram: @fksimsolutions

Kate Baumann knew nothing about running a business when she opened her first yoga studio. What she did have was drive, a clear vision, and a willingness to learn.With the help of mentors from SCORE, Kate built Rooted Yoga from the ground up, turning one small studio in Wappingers Falls into two thriving locations across the Hudson Valley.In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, Kate shares:How she built her first studio while working full timeWhy she believes in building stability before taking the leapThe resources that helped her get startedWhat it takes to manage 30+ instructorsAnd how she’s keeping community at the heart of everything she buildsA must-listen for anyone thinking about turning their side hustle into a full-time business,📲 Follow Rooted YogaWebsite: https://rootedyogany.comInstagram: @rootedyogany

When COVID hit, fitness trainer Jake Allyne lost his job, and found his calling.What started in his garage has grown into a 7-figure, mission-driven gym serving clients of all abilities.Jake joins Hudson Valley Hustle to talk about:How he bootstrapped his gym with zero fundingBuilding a team around servant leadershipGrowing from “no’s” to nonstop momentumTurning passion into purpose and profitThis episode is for anyone ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship, chase a mission bigger than themselves, and build something that lasts.📲 Follow Breakthrough Fit CoWebsite: breakthroughfitco.comInstagram: @breakthroughfitco

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, Joe Amato sits down with Angelo Notaro, the mastermind behind Famous Food Events — the company behind Hudson Valley Wing Fest, Pizza Fest, Taco Fest, Empanada Fest, and more.Angelo shares how he left a successful career in the auto industry to chase his dream of bringing people together through food. From organizing his first event with 1,000 attendees to hosting some of the Hudson Valley’s biggest festivals, Angelo talks about:Leaving a high-paying job to follow his passionThe early days of Wing Fest and how it took offThe importance of community and supporting local businessesHow social media helped Famous Food Events growWhy great service and great people are the foundation of successIf you love stories about taking risks, building something from scratch, and serving your community, this episode will hit home.🍗 Learn more or get tickets: https://famousfoodevents.com/🎧 More episodes: https://beacons.ai/hudsonvalleyhustle

Bryanna Russo, owner of Furever Friends Family, went from underpaid and underappreciated at Petco to owning two thriving pet business locations — one in Hopewell Junction, NY, and another in Danbury, CT.In this episode, Bryanna shares her story of betting on herself, building her first store from scratch with no investors, and now preparing to franchise her dream.Follow Bryanna: https://www.instagram.com/fureverfriendsfamily/We talk about:How she knew it was time to leave her job and start her businessWhat it took to build Furever Friends from nothingThe sacrifices that come with being a single mom and entrepreneurLearning to let go and trust her teamThe mindset it takes to open a second locationTeaching her kids the power of ownership and hard workHer vision for legacy and generational wealth🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode of Hudson Valley Hustle with Joe Amato:https://beacons.ai/hudsonvalleyhustle

Diego Martín, owner of Hudson Valley Tattoo in Wappingers Falls, NY, left his full-time tattoo job 12 years ago to open his own shop — and never looked back.In this episode, Diego shares how he built one of the most respected tattoo studios in the Hudson Valley, grew a team of artists, and even launched the Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention that attracts talent from around the world.We talk about:How Diego decided to take the leap from employee to ownerWhy the tattoo industry exploded after COVIDThe real challenges of running a shop with 9+ artistsHow social media and word of mouth drive his businessThe future of tattoos in an AI-driven worldHis advice for anyone ready to start their own businessConnect with Diego: https://www.hudsonvalleytattoocompany.com/

Most people talk about starting a business.Paul Mascia actually did it.After 12 years working at BMW dealerships, he hit a breaking point and decided to open M Autwerks, a BMW-only service shop in Congers, NY. Four years later, he’s running the whole thing himself and booked out for weeks.In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we talk about what it really takes to go from employee to business owner - the fear, the long hours, and the reward of finally calling the shots.In this conversation:The moment Paul decided to walk away from his jobWhy specializing in one brand (BMW) was the smartest move he madeHow he stays busy without advertisingBalancing family, burnout, and 15-hour daysWhy trades like this are never going away, even with AIThe money lessons every new business owner learns the hard wayWhether you’re a mechanic, creator, or anyone dreaming about working for yourself, Paul’s story will hit home.Connect with Paul: https://www.instagram.com/m.autowerks

Eliza Edge is creating an ecosystem for entrepreneurs in the Hudson Valley. Learn how she’s helping startups secure funding, grow revenue, and stay rooted in the region through her work with the Hudson Valley Venture Hub.

Brian Stylez went from spinning weddings to building a CRM software for DJs across the globe. Hear how he transitioned from the DJ booth to launching a tech startup right from the Hudson Valley.

Oliver Wilkinson turned his family’s British pie recipes into a booming business in Wappingers Falls. From farmers markets to frozen shipping plans, this episode dives into the hustle behind Brazed Pies—and why locals can’t get enough of shepherd’s pie and sticky toffee pudding.

Dan Feliciano is the CEO and co-founder of Clotheslyne, a peer-to-peer laundry platform that's revolutionizing how we think about laundry, gig work, and startup funding. In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, Dan shares what it takes to build a disruptive business, why most startup advice is garbage, and the brutal truths about raising money when you're just starting out.Whether you're a founder, investor, or just hustle-curious, this is a no-fluff, insight-packed episode you don't want to miss.

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, I sit down with personal injury attorney John DeGasperis, founder of New York Injury Law, to discuss his journey from partner at a respected law firm to starting his own successful practice. With over 200,000 followers on social media, John shares the honest realities of law school, how personal branding changed his career, and what it takes to thrive in the legal field today.

Jose Marti, sensei and owner of Marti Martial Arts Academy, joins Hudson Valley Hustle to discuss his journey from learning kung fu for self-defense in Brooklyn to becoming a community leader shaping character and discipline through martial arts. Discover how Jose blends physical fitness, self-defense, and life lessons into an impactful 23-year career.

Can you really make money doing something you love, or is it just motivational talk? Matt Hernandez joins us on Hudson Valley Hustle to share his honest story about leaving the corporate accounting world behind to open a successful salsa dance studio in Chester, NY. He breaks down the ups and downs, why salsa dancing is secretly harder than most people realize, and how he's turning students who say "I can't dance" into confident dancers.Whether you're thinking about starting your own thing or just curious about how someone makes dancing a full-time job, Matt’s story offers relatable insights and practical advice.Check out Matt’s dance studio: https://www.mhdanceco.com/

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we talk to Ron Cardillo, co-founder of Toadstool Labs, about the world of medicinal mushrooms and their impact on health and wellness. We dive deep into the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, the differences between culinary, medicinal, and psychedelic mushrooms, and how mushrooms can transform your health. Ron shares his journey, business insights, and how Toadstool Labs is bringing this ancient knowledge into the modern world.🍄 Whether you're a health enthusiast, entrepreneur, or just curious about the power of mushrooms, this episode is a must-watch!

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with Anthony Cascarino, owner of Cascarino's in Montgomery to uncover the secrets behind running a successful pizzeria for over 23 years. We discuss the challenges of the restaurant business, what makes Cascarino’s a community favorite, how to stay competitive, and the importance of adapting to change. From family dynamics to the power of word-of-mouth marketing, this conversation is packed with insights for restaurant owners, entrepreneurs, and food lovers alike.

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, I chat with Kevin Wilson from Relax at Home Massage, a mobile massage therapist who left the corporate world and spa life behind to run his own business full-time. We talk about:✅ The moment he knew he had to go all in on his business✅ Why reviews drive more leads than social media✅ The struggles of scaling a service-based business✅ How he learned to trust a team and delegate work✅ Why having support from family can make all the differenceIf you’ve ever thought about turning your side hustle into your main gig, this episode is for you!💆‍♂️ Book a massage with Kevin: https://www.relaxathomemassage.com/

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with John Ragusa, owner of the Imperial Castle, a beloved vintage toy store in Pawling, NY. John shares his journey from corporate life to running a store that’s become a haven for nostalgia lovers. Discover how his love for collecting transformed into a thriving business, the emotional stories behind iconic toys, and his unexpected leap into television. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, collectors, and anyone looking for a dose of inspiration! Highlights: How John turned his hobby into a business The power of nostalgia in today’s market Lessons learned from starting with nothing Behind-the-scenes of his TV appearances

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, Nina Bartholomew shares her journey from starting a Montessori-inspired educational community to running a successful business built on values of connection and joy. Learn how she balances entrepreneurship, education, and family while staying true to her mission of creating a supportive space for children and families. Connect with Nina https://littlegardenmontessori.org/ Ready for your business to go viral? Connect with us: https://vivocreative.net/

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with Jason Coppola, owner of Hudson Valley Sun Rooms. Jason shares his journey of taking over a 40-year-old business, the challenges of maintaining trust in a luxury market, and the importance of empowering his team to build a sustainable future. Discover actionable lessons in entrepreneurship, reputation management, and standing out in a competitive industry. Learn More https://www.hudsonvalleysunrooms.com/ Ready to Make Your Business Go Viral? Connect with Us: https://vivocreative.net

Zachary Gumpel of HRH Development joins us to talk about building custom homes in the Hudson Valley. We explore his transition from NYC real estate to upstate home building, the hidden costs and challenges of land development, and why so many people underestimate the process. Plus, Zachary shares tips on avoiding costly mistakes and making the dream of a custom home a reality.

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, Joe is joined by Judy Annunziata, the Fruit Queen of the Hudson Valley and owner an Edible Arrangements franchise. Judy shares her unique perspective on running a franchise like a local business, the misconceptions about franchising, and the real hustle it takes to succeed. From building brand awareness to managing holiday rushes and pivoting in 2020, Judy’s story is packed with insights for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with Russell Rojas, the young entrepreneur behind Rojas Collectibles. Russell opens up about his journey from a lifelong collector to a thriving business owner, sharing insights on taking risks, building a brand, and the power of nostalgia in the world of collectibles. Perfect for collectors, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to turn passion into a paycheck, this episode is full of valuable lessons and inspiration.

Andrew Torres, better known as DJ Grand Finale, joins the Hudson Valley Hustle Podcast to talk about his career in entertainment and what it takes to succeed as a DJ and business owner. From humble beginnings at age 15 to running a team that handles events from weddings to nightclubs, Andrew shares insights on balancing work and family, managing pressure, and staying passionate. Tune in to discover his tips for creating unforgettable events and the power of word-of-mouth marketing.

In this episode, Leslie Noble of Noble Pies and her son, Zachary, join the Hudson Valley Hustle Podcast to share their entrepreneurial journey. Starting with a love for baking, Leslie turned her passion into a thriving business. They talk about the challenges of scaling a small operation, the importance of staying connected to the local community, and their dedication to delivering high-quality pies to customers. Tune in to hear her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and learn what’s next for Noble Pies.

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with Breezy Santoro, co-founder of Breezy Tea, to hear how a simple bar cocktail turned into a growing hard iced tea brand. Breezy shares her journey of balancing work, family, and building a business, from creating the original drink in a local tavern to navigating the complexities of licensing, branding, and distribution. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own product-based business, this episode is for you!

Harold Roman, owner of Hudson Valley Power Washing, joins us on Hudson Valley Hustle to share how he turned a small side hustle into a full-time business. Starting with a pressure washer from his garage, Harold has grown his company into a successful operation with multiple trucks, employees, and even a holiday lighting division. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to scale a business, the importance of branding, and the mindset shifts needed to go from solopreneur to managing a team.

In this episode, we sit down with Bryanna Russo, founder of Furever Friends Family, a thriving pet care business in Hopewell Junction. 🐶🐱 Bryanna opens up about her journey of starting the business, the challenges of building a strong team, and the importance of trusting others to help you grow. From grooming and pet daycare to adoption services, she shares how Furever Friends Famuly has become a go-to place for pet owners. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, team-building, and finding balance in running a successful business!

In this episode, we chat with Raphael Castro, a sports chiropractor and the owner of The Movement Lab. Raphael shares how he built a successful practice offering a wide range of services, from chiropractic care and physical therapy to massage and rehabilitation. He talks about the challenges of growing a multi-service business, building a strong team, and maintaining authenticity with clients. Raphael also offers valuable tips for swing sports athletes, including advice on injury prevention and balancing the body for better performance. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an athlete, this episode is filled with practical takeaways! 🔗 Connect with Raphael https://www.instagram.com/theliftingdoc/

In this week's episode, we chat with Skywalker, the longtime voice behind one of the biggest radio stations in the Hudson Valley—K104. We dive into his two-decade career, what it's been like being the voice of a generation, and how he's seen radio change with the rise of streaming. Skywalker opens up about the challenges of staying relevant in a fast-paced industry and how he's built a real connection with the local community. If you grew up listening to K104, you're in for a nostalgic trip! We also cover his approach to endorsements, building a personal brand, and how radio stacks up against platforms like Spotify. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the stories and insights from one of Hudson Valley’s most recognizable voices.

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with Andrew Joseph, CEO of Andrew Joseph PR, to explore his fascinating career journey from fashion to the architecture and design industry. Andrew shares his expertise on the critical role of photography in PR, the shift towards digital and social media, and how to effectively leverage these tools for brand building. Perfect for entrepreneurs, designers, and anyone interested in public relations, this conversation is filled with practical advice and thought-provoking insights. Connect with Andrew https://www.andrewjosephpr.com/

Join us on this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle as we sit down with Kristen Antoni, the owner of Main Street Cutters in Cornwall, NY. Kristen shares her journey from starting young as an entrepreneur to running a successful salon. We dive into the myths of hustle culture, the value of trades, and the challenges of being a business owner. Whether you're an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or just curious about the beauty industry, Kristen offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in for a candid discussion on what it takes to succeed and thrive in the world of business. Connect with Kristen https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetcutters/

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we are joined by David Recine, the founder of Flowers by David Anthony, a beloved floral business in Central Valley, NY. David reflects on his 30-year journey in the floral industry. He shares stories about his attention to detail, the emotional resonance of flowers in weddings and funerals, and evolving his business model. David also offers insights into his entrepreneurial mindset and why he has no plans to retire. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with valuable business lessons and personal anecdotes. Connect With David https://giftsbydavidanthony.com/ https://www.instagram.com/flowersbyda/ Connect with us https://tiktok.com/@vivocreativeny https://instagram.com/vivocreativehv https://facebook.com/vivocreative https://vivocreative.net

Join us in this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle as we sit down with Leo Gecaj, a 19-year-old entrepreneur and founder of JG Auto Care. Leo takes us through his journey from searching for side hustles on TikTok to building a successful business with over 500 clients. He discusses the importance of social media marketing, the challenges of running a business at a young age, and the influence of his family's entrepreneurial spirit. If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on entrepreneurship, this episode is for you. Follow Leo on Instagram: @jgautocare_

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with Christian Palmer, founder of Relentless Fitness and Nutrition. Christian shares his journey from a high school athlete inspired by superheroes and bodybuilders to a successful entrepreneur focused on men's health and fitness. Learn how Christian turned his passion into a thriving business and get practical advice on defining your target audience, the value of business coaching, and the importance of maintaining discipline in both fitness and business. Topics Include: Christian’s early fitness journey and inspiration The transition from fitness enthusiast to business owner The importance of a defined target audience Insights on business coaching and mentorship Balancing personal fitness with professional success Connect with Christian Palmer: Website: RelentlessFitnessNutrition.com Instagram: @ChristianFPalmer Follow Hudson Valley Hustle: Instagram: @HudsonValleyHustlePodcast

Ashley Rago is the co-owner of Eternal Soles, a successful sneaker business with locations in the Middletown and Poughkeepsie Gallerias. Ashley shares her story of how she transitioned from flipping cameras to owning two thriving shoe stores. In this episode, you'll discover: The journey from camera flipping to sneaker retail The role of networking and risk-taking in business growth The challenges and rewards of managing retail and online sales Insights into the sneaker industry, including botting and live auctions Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a sneaker enthusiast, or someone who loves hearing about business success, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in and get inspired by Ashley's hustle and determination. Visit Eternal Soles: Poughkeepsie Galleria: 2nd floor, next to LensCrafters Middletown Galleria: 2nd floor, next to Build-A-Bear Follow Eternal Soles on Whatnot: @EternalSoulsNY Don't miss out on more stories of local business owners making their mark in Hudson Valley. Subscribe and stay tuned for more episodes!

In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with Kerry Scardino, the owner of Skinchanted Spa in Peekskill. Kerry shares her inspiring journey from working at Estee Lauder to becoming a successful business owner. We delve into the world of skincare, discussing the art of waxing (men & women), oncology aesthetics, and the importance of maintaining healthy skin. Kerry's holistic approach to skincare and her dedication to her clients make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in beauty and wellness. Highlights: Kerry's background and transition into the skincare industry Challenges and rewards of running a spa Detailed insights into waxing and its benefits Specialized care for oncology patients Essential skincare tips and advice Connect with Kerry and Skinchanted Spa: Website: https://skinchantedspa.com/ Instagram: @SkinchantedSpa

Ash Hopper specializes in creating plant-based skin care products using organic ingredients. Matt and Thena are a husband-and-wife team committed to building a strong family business based on values. In 2022, they both stepped away from our tenured careers to innovate in what they saw as an industry ready for a dynamic brand with a positive message. With over 20 years of combined experience in the health and beauty sectors, they pride themselves on high-level craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainable practices. Connect with Ash Hopper https://www.ashhopper.com/

Basement Systems of NY is a basement waterproofing company based out of Bullville, NY. Chris' father started the company and is now a thriving family business. We dive into what makes an exceptional service company, working with family members, and a lot more. Connect with Chris https://www.basementsystemsofny.com

Paul Stewart is a co-owner of B&B Archery in Middletown, NY. He started off as an employee of the shop and eventually partnered up and bought the business. Lots of GREAT entrepreneurial advice in this interview. Connect with Paul https://bnbarchery.com

Casey Carroll and her husband Javier Villatoro own Coray Kitchen in Delmar, NY. We dive into what make a restaurant successful, including marketing, public relations, staffing and a lot more. Tons of valuable nuggets in this interview! Connect with Casey https://www.coraykitchen.com/

Malik Adjoyi owns Good Game Lounge in the Palisades Mall. Gamer turned business owner, this is a good example of what it's like to take the thing you love and build a business around it. The fun, the struggles, success and failure. Enjoy! Connect with Malik https://www.gglounge.com/

Chris Fahrbach owns Mixture, one of the largest screen printing businesses in the Hudson Valley. This episode was a blast. Talking about client relationships, hitting the $1 Million mark, and a lot more. Connect with Chris https://www.instagram.com/mixture.inc/ https://www.mixtureprints.com/

Charlotte owns several businesses in the Hudson Valley including a real estate business, a wedding venue, and bridal boutique. She attributes a lot of her success to being able to seize opportunities when they arise. Connect with Charlotte https://www.instagram.com/charlotte_guernsey/ https://lambshill.com/ https://www.lambshillbridalboutique.com https://gatehousecompass.com/

Austin owns Urban Property Management, and is an owner and investor in several short-term rental properties in New York and Vermont. If you're interested in short-term rentals like Airbnb properties, this episode is for you. Connect with Austin https://www.austinurbanrealestate.com/

Jason Peralta manages the marketing for a $60 Million pest management company Peekskill, NY. What's amazing here is that he's able to accomplish more with a team of 2, than similar companies accomplish with a team of 10 or 20. There's a TON of marketing advice in here for companies of any size.

Danielle manages Valley Supreme Liquors, a family wine and liquor shop in Pine Bush owned by her mom, Fran Moriano. We talk about what it takes to own a liquor store, how to treat customers, and lots more. Hope you enjoy! Connect with Danielle https://instagram.com/valleysupremeliquors

Miranda Harris owns Milky Fitness, an online health and fitness company that serves breastfeeding moms, and more recently moms in general. She grew her company from zero to 1200 monthly paying customers in under 6 years and primarily markets through her free Facebook group for moms, which has over 100,000 members! Her story is awesome, her business is crushing it, and I think you'll get some great value here. Connect with Miranda https://www.instagram.com/littleharrisxoxo/ https://www.instagram.com/milkyfitnessllc/

Robert Blum is CEO of Hudson Valley's Best, a martial arts, parkour, summer camp and after school program in Beacon & Hopewell Junction. He describes his business as an "overnight success 26 years in the making." Learn what makes his business thrive, and take away some valuable lessons to apply to your business. Connect with Rob https://hudsonvalleysbest.com

Steve Saturno, along with partner Kerry Irwin, own Golf Cars Unlimited. A utility vehicle dealer in Walden, NY. They've been in business for over 20 years and in this episode we dive into what makes a partnership work, plus how to handle risk in business. Connect with Steve https://golfcarsunlimitedinc.com