Send us a text

In this episode of Re-Thinking Business: Success Sauce & Two Pickles we welcome Scott Fitzgerald, President & Co-Owner of Roc Vox, a professional studio for recording audiobooks, voice-overs and podcasts, with video production services.

https://rocvox.com/

Hosted by Tamara MacDuff (pickle#1) and Sid Ragona Ph.D (pickle#2) of Re-Thinking Business: Success Sauce & Two Pickles. Western NY SCORE's podcast.

Scott W. Fitzgerald

Podcast, Live Stream and Voice Over Studio

eLearning Voice Productions

Video Production & Post

ROCVox.com

ROC Vox Recording & Production, LLC.

640 Kreag Rd. Suite 103

Pittsford, NY 14534

585-200-4832

fitz@rocvox.com

Podcasting Strategies with Scott Fitzgerald: Insights and Trends

In this episode of 'Rethinking Business: Success Sauce and Two Pickles,' hosts Tamara MacDuff and Sid Ragona sit down with Scott Fitzgerald, the founder and owner of Roc Vox Recording, the first podcast studio in Rochester. The discussion explores the evolution of podcasting, best practices for starting and maintaining a podcast, and the impact of AI and technological advancements on the industry. Scott shares valuable advice on the importance of passion, patience, and perseverance in successful podcasting, alongside insights into audience engagement and promotional strategies. The episode also delves into the relevance of video podcasts, AI tools in audio production, and the future landscape of podcasting.


01:16 Podcasting Statistics and Business Potential
02:00 Guest Introduction: Scott Fitzgerald of Roc Vox Recording
03:01 Scott's Journey from Radio to Podcasting
03:35 Early Days of Podcasting: Challenges and Evolution
08:01 The Importance of Video in Podcasting
11:41 Finding Your Ideal Audience and Podcast Format
16:22 AI's Impact on Podcast Production
19:18 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters
22:22 Promoting Your Podcast Effectively
29:28 The Power of Micro Casts
30:49 The Value of Motivational Content
31:44 Best Motivational Advice
37:42 The Future of Technology and AI
48:08 Reflections and Personal Advice
50:04 Roc Vox Recording and Community

Send us a text

In this episode of Re-Thinking Business: Success Sauce & Two Pickles we welcome John Adams, President & CEO of the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and the President & Senior Consultant of The Too Tall Franchise Guy powered by Frannet, where he covers the benefits of the chamber and information about starting up a franchise.

https://greecechamber.org/

https://frannet.com/franchise-consultants/john-adams/

Hosted by Tamara MacDuff (pickle#1) and Sid Ragona Ph.D (pickle#2) of Re-Thinking Business: Success Sauce & Two Pickles. Greater Rochester SCORE's weekly radio show.

Send us a text

Mastering Communication with Jen DiMarzio: Insights on Leadership, Change, and Connectivity

In this episode of 'Re-Thinking Business Success Sauce and Two Pickles, hosts Tamara McDuff and Sid Ragona welcome Jen DiMarzio of Jen DeMarzio Consulting. Jen shares her expertise in helping CEOs improve employee communication, emphasizing the importance of connecting employees with the company's mission. She discusses her transition from corporate to consulting and offers insights into change management, highlighting the significance of the ADDCAR model. Jen also shares her thoughts on the role of AI in communications and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs. Learn from Jen's journey and discover key strategies for effective leadership and communication.
https://www.jendimarzioconsulting.com/

• 00:35 Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 02:19 Jen DeMarzo's Journey into Consulting
• 04:48 The Leap from Corporate to Consulting
• 06:57 Challenges and Strategies in Consulting
• 11:05 The Importance of Networking
• 13:51 Leadership and Change Management
• 22:17 Impact of AI on Business and Communication
• 27:07 How to Connect with Jen DeMarzo
• 27:55 Exploring Fractional Support
• 28:49 Defining Fractional Support
• 30:03 Jen's Professional Identity
• 31:27 Advice to a Younger Self
• 32:17 Parenting and Communication Skills
• 33:14 Curiosity in Personal and Professional Life
• 39:18 Mentorship and Best Advice
• 44:40 Future Networking Plans
• 47:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

Send us a text

Pursuing Longevity through Functional Fitness with Natalie Grace,

In this episode of 'Rethinking Business,' hosts Tamara MacDuff and Sid Ragona interview Natalie Grace from Graceful Body Works. Natalie shares her journey from New York City to Rochester and her passion for longevity, with a personal goal of living to 103. She discusses her expertise in nutrition, wellness, and functional fitness, emphasizing the importance of exercises that improve everyday movements. Natalie explains how her work bridges gaps between physical therapy and personal fitness, with special attention to bone density and resistance training for older adults. She also highlights the importance of hydration and balanced protein intake for overall health.

https://gracefulbodyworks.com/

• 00:35 Introduction and Greetings
• 01:03 Meet Our Guest: Natalie Grace
• 03:11 Understanding Functional Fitness
• 05:58 Longevity and Health Span
• 17:31 The Importance of Hydration and Protein
• 29:34 Bone Density and Resistance Training
• 32:24 Lunges with Bags: A Fun Fitness Tip
• 32:30 Natalie's Journey: From NYC to Rochester
• 33:32 The Serendipitous Meeting with Sharon Perry Ferrari
• 36:22 Building a Business: Mentorship and Networking
• 39:59 Advice to Younger Self: Take More Risks
• 43:01 Future Plans: Empowering Women Through Health
• 46:22 The Benefits of Cold Showers
• 48:32 Sports Massage and Marathon Experiences
• 52:20 Connecting with Natalie Grace
• 54:19 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Send us a text

Rethinking Business: Lessons in Entrepreneurship with Clint Day.

In this episode, hosts Tamara McDuff and Sid Ragona interview Clint Day, a serial entrepreneur and business coach. Clint discusses the importance of systematizing business operations, leveraging AI, and maintaining a work-life balance. He highlights the effectiveness of the Lean Startup Method and the value of creating a niche market. Clint also delves into the role of persistence, determination, and other essential traits for successful entrepreneurship. The conversation provides listeners with a wealth of resources, including Clint’s website 'SetYourOwnSalary.com' and his book recommendations.

https://setyourownsalary.com/

Books Authored by Clint Day

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B017UZNIBK

00:45 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:16 Meeting at the AI Workshop

03:11 Insights from PodFest 2025

05:42 AI Tools for Small Businesses

15:05 Entrepreneurship Journey

34:10 Earning the CPCU Designation

34:41 College and ROTC Experience

36:13 Vietnam War Stories

37:27 Applying Military Skills to Business

38:44 Veterans as Entrepreneurs

41:06 Lean Startup Method

42:34 Recommended Reading for Entrepreneurs

45:23 Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

47:28 Connecting with Clint

54:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Send us a text

Exploring the Impact of Junior Achievement with Marie Camp

In this episode of Rethinking Business Success Sauce and Two Pickles, hosts Tamara McDuff and Sid Ragona interview Marie Kamp, Vice President of Programs and Learning Experiences at Junior Achievement (JA). Marie provides an in-depth look at JA's diverse programs aimed at inspiring and preparing students for their future careers, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial success. Detailing programs like JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, and various special events, Marie outlines the impressive reach and impact JA has had on the Rochester area, including engaging over 16,000 students in the last fiscal year. She also shares her personal journey to JA, the organization's mission, volunteer opportunities, and the critical importance of mentoring and financial education for the youth. The discussion concludes with insights on Marie's motivations, advice for her younger self, and a call for community involvement.
marie.kamp@ja.org

https://cuny.ja.org/

A short video about Junior Achievement...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89Sc7VUIG6c&authuser=0

00:35 Introduction and Host Welcome
01:14 Introducing Junior Achievement
01:38 Impressive Numbers and Programs
03:03 Marie Camp Joins the Conversation
03:34 Junior Achievement's History and Mission
06:16 Program Details and Volunteer Involvement
07:14 Special Events and Competitions
10:18 JA Discovery Center Overview
16:40 Student Participation and Impact
26:33 Marie Camp's Personal Journey
29:07 Balancing Career and Family
30:13 Transition to Nonprofit Work
31:42 Joining Junior Achievement
34:41 Impact of Financial Literacy
36:10 Advice to My Younger Self
38:22 Mentorship and Influences
40:13 Passion for Education
42:15 Challenges of Teaching Financial Literacy
50:07 Inspiring Hope and Future Opportunities
53:21 Conclusion and Contact Information

Send us a text

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey with Flossie Hall of the Stella Foundation

In this episode of 'Rethinking Business: Success Sauce and Two Pickles,' hosts Tamara and Sid welcome Flossie Hall from the Stella Foundation to discuss her journey in entrepreneurship. Flossie shares insights on starting and scaling a business, including essential elements like time management, access to capital, and leveraging local and national resources. She recounts her own experiences from building a seven-figure meal prep company to the lessons learned from her failures. Flossie also emphasizes the importance of maintaining work-life balance, mentorship, and legal protection in business. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers valuable takeaways for managing business and personal well-being.

https://stella.co/
Founded in 2012, Stella connects women founders and investors to the right resource–at the right time–in their journeys. From ideation to funding to exit, women founders and investors look to Stella for its powerful constellation of support made up of an inclusive community, courses, access to capital events, advisory services and funding opportunities.

00:35 Introduction and New Year's Greetings
00:57 Introducing Special Guest: Flossie Hall
02:16 Understanding the Stella Foundation
03:32 The Journey to Pre-Seed Funding
05:22 Flossie's Entrepreneurial Beginnings
06:43 Lessons from Early Business Failures
12:24 Balancing Business and Personal Life
16:18 Self-Care and Productivity Tips
19:04 The Importance of Routine and Boundaries
25:20 Reflecting on the Entrepreneurial Mindset
30:46 Embracing Hard Work and Perseverance
32:22 The Importance of Mentorship
34:11 Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience
35:31 Legal Protection and Business Advice
39:25 Finding Balance and Setting Priorities
44:20 Leveraging Local and National Resources
48:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Send us a text

Unlocking Google: Tips for Small Business Success
with Kelsey Flannery of KaeRae Marketing
https://www.kaeraemarketing.com/

In this episode of 'Rethinking Business, Success Sauce and Two Pickles,' hosts Tamara McDuff and Sid Ragona are joined by Kelsey Flannery from KaeRay Marketing. They dive deep into the world of Google, from its surprising original name to its current dominance as a search engine. Kelsey shares valuable insights on why Google is essential for small businesses, offering practical tips on setting up and optimizing a Google Business profile, SEO strategies, and the importance of understanding your audience. Additionally, Kelsey discusses her journey from ad agency work to becoming a confident business owner and educator, highlighting the importance of branding and honest marketing. She also touches on the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, emphasizing the need for personal touch in content creation. This episode is packed with actionable advice for small business owners looking to enhance their online presence and navigate the complexities of Google.

• 00:33 Introduction and Today's Topic
• 01:00 Fun Facts About Google
• 02:38 Introducing the Google Expert
• 03:54 Importance of Branding and Google
• 05:13 Google Business Tools and SEO
• 06:54 Simplifying Google for Small Businesses
• 13:30 Customer Journey and Overcoming Frustrations
• 20:32 Building Confidence and Expertise
• 24:28 The Importance of Honest Feedback
• 25:42 Mentorship and Foundational Advice
• 27:50 Balancing Client Work and Personal Growth
• 28:37 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency
• 33:06 Understanding AI's Role in Content Creation
• 42:25 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth
• 48:27 Future Aspirations and Educational Goals
• 50:36 Connecting with Kelsey and Final Thoughts