In this episode of Huckleros, Mike Brennan sits down with Steve Smith, founder of Perdix Software, to explore a journey that began with entrepreneurship at a remarkably young age and evolved into building technology for the future of manufacturing.

Steve shares the early experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, the lessons learned from building businesses, and how those experiences ultimately led to the creation of MOLI, Perdix's integrated software and hardware platform designed to help manufacturers improve visibility, efficiency, and operational performance.

Our conversation covers entrepreneurship, product development, manufacturing innovation, leadership, and the realities of building technology that solves real-world industrial challenges. Whether you're a founder, operator, or simply fascinated by how great businesses are built, Steve's story offers practical insights and a compelling look at the future of manufacturing technology.

Topics discussed:

• Early entrepreneurial beginnings
• Building and scaling technology businesses
• Lessons learned from years of entrepreneurship
• The origins of Perdix Software
• How MOLI helps optimize manufacturing operations
• The future of industrial technology and automation
• Advice for founders and innovators

Dustin Wilson is Startup Community Manager at NextCorps and adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at SUNY Brockport, Dustin has spent nearly a decade working across the WNY startup ecosystem — from his time at Launch NY and KnowCap to developing entrepreneurial support programs that move founders forward. He holds an MBA in Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise from Colorado State University and brings lived startup experience to everything he does.

We discuss his entrepreneurial journey, what it takes to build a startup, and the current landscape for business and AI around Rochester and beyond.

On this episode of Huckleros, we're joined by Tom Seymour of Moka Energy.

Tom is bringing a unique caffeinated coffee bar to market, and honestly, he brings about as much energy as ten of the bars themselves. We dive into his entrepreneurial journey, his go-to-market strategy, and some of the lessons, setbacks, and unexpected challenges he's encountered while building the business and his career.

If you're interested in startups, product launches, or hearing what it really takes to bring a new consumer product to market, you'll enjoy this conversation.

Check out Moka Energy and grab some bars for yourself at MOKAEnergy.com.

In Episode 2 of Huckaleros, Mike Brennan sits down with his business partner, cousin, and longtime friend Jon Brennan, President of Developer Squad.

Having worked together for nearly 20 years, Mike and Jon share the story behind their entrepreneurial journey, from early ventures and hard-earned lessons to the successes that shaped their careers. Along the way, they revisit a few epic failures, the challenges of building businesses with family, and the experiences that ultimately informed how they approach entrepreneurship today.

This is an honest conversation about resilience, partnership, risk-taking, and what happens when you keep showing up long enough to learn from both your wins and your mistakes.

Whether you're building a business, thinking about starting one, or simply enjoy founder stories, this episode offers a candid look at the realities behind the entrepreneurial journey.

In Huckaleo’s inaugural episode, we sit down with Connor Peters, founder and CEO of Locke Identity, a Rochester-based cybersecurity company rethinking how people securely access and manage their digital identities.

Connor shares the early entrepreneurial journey that led him from web design and IT problem-solving to building Locke, including the core principles he has infused into the company, the lessons learned through trial and error, and the challenges of bringing a bold vision to life.

A conversation about identity, resilience, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to build something from the ground up.

Check out Locke Identity: https://lockeidentity.com/