Welcome to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store — where entrepreneurship collides with marriage, kids, community, and a whole lot of controlled chaos.

In this trailer episode, hosts Joe Slichko and Erica Cubello pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a small business together while navigating everyday life. As partners in marriage and in business, Joe and Erica share the mindset that drives them forward: taking risks, hearing “no” more times than they can count, and choosing to move ahead anyway.

You’ll hear honest reflections on what motivates them, why perfection is a myth in entrepreneurship, and why excuses have no place when you’re trying to build something meaningful. Erica opens up about believing in an idea even when others don’t, while Joe emphasizes the responsibility entrepreneurs have to work with what they have and make it extraordinary.

This trailer also introduces listeners to the heart behind Fort Orange General Store — a business built not just to support a family, but to support a community. From the struggles and sacrifices to the pride of seeing it all come together, this episode sets the tone for future conversations about small business ownership, resilience, and finding joy in the process.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something of your own, felt discouraged by setbacks, or wondered how business and real life can coexist, this podcast is for you.

Subscribe now and join us as we share our story — and the stories behind building a small business with a big life.

Keywords: small business podcast, retail entrepreneurship, community events, hot chocolate stroll, downtown Albany, brick and mortar retail, holiday retail strategy, experiential retail, family business, Fort Orange General Store

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Every follow, share, and review helps support a growing independent podcast and small business.

📍 Visit us in person:
Fort Orange General Store – Downtown Albany, NY

🛍️ Shop online:
fortorangegeneralstore.com

📲 Follow along on social:
Instagram: @fortorangegeneralstore

💬 Join the conversation:
Have a question, topic idea, or small business story you’d like us to cover? Send us a message or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you.

🎙️ New episodes drop weekly, sharing honest conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and the beautiful chaos of building a life and business together.

Until next time—thanks for supporting small business, community, and real stories.

Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW