INcorporate - A Podcast for Business Owners

Law & Order: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Avoiding Legal Landmines

In this episode Susan and Jordan are joined by attorneys Lisa Coppola and Matthew Pelkey for an insightful discussion on the legal pitfalls and protections every entrepreneur should understand. From hiring your first employee to forming business partnerships, legal missteps can be costly. With real-life examples and practical advice, Lisa and Matthew break down the complex legal landscape for small business owners in a way that’s easy to understand and act on.
Topics discussed include:
Common legal issues faced by early-stage businesses
Employee classification: W-2 vs. 1099 and why it matters
Risks of hiring, firing, and remote work complications
The importance of documentation and employment contracts
What to include in contracts and partnership agreements
The role of insurance in legal risk mitigation
Succession planning and business continuity
How to build and leverage your professional advisory team
Don’t wait for a lawsuit to think legally. Tune in now and get the tools to protect your business from day one!The discussion in this podcast should not be considered legal advice.The Coppola FirmColligan Law
Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

Smart Supply Chains: Strategies for Small Business Success

In this episode of INcorporate: A Podcast for Business Owners, Susan and Jordan sit down with supply chain expert John Hogg of Straightforward Consulting to unpack the power of supply chain strategy for small businesses. Whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, or service-based business, this conversation reveals how efficient systems can boost profitability, reduce risk, and create long-term growth.
Topics discussed include:
What a supply chain really is—and why service businesses have one too
How and when small businesses should formalize their supply chain
Red flags that indicate your current systems are failing
How to reduce inventory without sacrificing service levels
Freight strategies: Competing with bigger players through smart partnerships
Tools and technology that help move beyond sticky notes and spreadsheets
Why supplier scorecards and risk mitigation are essential
The impact of tariffs
How supply chain optimization can fund itself and drive growth
Learn how to build a resilient supply chain that scales with you. Listen now and share with fellow entrepreneurs!Learn more about Straightforward Consulting.Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios.

Purpose & Profit: How Mission-Driven Businesses Make it Work

In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan sit down with two mission-driven entrepreneurs who are proving that business can be both profitable and purposeful. Del Reid, co-founder of Bills Mafia and founder of 26 Shirts, and Curtis Knight, founder of Cater Tots, share how they built financially sustainable businesses that give back to their communities in powerful ways.
Through personal stories and practical advice, Del and Curtis reveal how their core values shaped their business models—and how staying focused on their missions fuels both impact and income.
Topics discussed in this episode:
The origin stories behind 26 Shirts and Cater Tots
How to build a mission-driven business without sacrificing sustainability
Balancing heart and margins in day-to-day operations
Mistakes learned the hard way (and how they rebounded)
Hiring people aligned with your mission and building a values-based culture
How to measure success beyond just revenue
Avoiding burnout and staying passionate over the long haul
The role CEL (UB's Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership) played in their growth
Advice for founders who want to make a difference while making a living
Tune in now and learn how to build a business that does good while doing well.Learn more about 26 Shirts and Cater Tots.Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios.

What's the Value of your Company?

In this episode of INcorporate, Susan Steffan and Jordan Lema talk with Alan Pawlowski, valuation expert and principal at Pace Management Group, to explore the real drivers behind business value. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, understanding what your company is worth—and how to grow that value—is critical to your long-term success.
Alan breaks down the key factors that impact valuation, from financial performance to leadership structure. You’ll also hear practical advice on preparing for sale, succession, or future investment—no matter where you are in your business journey.
Topics discussed include:
Why valuation matters—even if you’re not planning to sell soon
The top factors that influence your company’s value
How owner dependency lowers business valuation
Ways to increase value by improving operations and leadership
Common misconceptions about business valuation
Preparing for a future sale or succession
Tools and professional resources that support valuation planning
Whether you're looking to exit in the next 10 years or just want to future-proof your business, this episode will give you the tools to make smarter, more strategic decisions.
Tune in to gain clarity, confidence, and control over what your business is truly worth!Learn more about Pace Management
Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios.

Smarter, Faster, Safer: AI Strategies for Small Business Owners

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere—but what does it really mean for small business owners? In this episode of INcorporate, Susan Steffan and Jordan Lema explore the real-world impact of AI, with guests Dominic Sellito, faculty member at the UB School of Management specializing in AI and cybersecurity, and Tony DeSimone, a consultant who helps entrepreneurs implement AI for greater productivity and efficiency.
Together they break down what AI is (and isn’t), bust common myths, and share simple, practical tools that small businesses can start using today. From time-saving apps to cybersecurity best practices, this conversation offers actionable advice for making your business smarter, faster, and safer with AI.
Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or looking to integrate it more strategically into your operations, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Topics Include:
Misconceptions about AI—and what business owners should really know
Easy-to-implement tools for immediate impact
Real-life examples of how AI boosts efficiency and cuts costs
Cybersecurity tips when using AI with sensitive data
Long-term strategies and upcoming trends every entrepreneur should watch
 
Tune in and take your first step toward making AI work for your business—not against it.
Tony's AI coursesPresented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios.
 

Passing the Torch: Planning for Succession

Succession planning is one of the most critical—and often most neglected—parts of running a business. In this episode of INcorporate, hosts Susan Steffan and Jordan Lema explore the real-world challenges and strategies behind leadership transition in family businesses.
Joining Susan and Jordan in the studio are two guests with firsthand experience:Kathleen Chiavetta, a third-generation owner navigating the legacy of her family business.Shawn Buffum, a non-family CEO who stepped in to lead through a major transition.
Together, they unpack what succession looks like in practice. From navigating expectations and preserving culture, to building a formal plan. If you're a business owner thinking about the future, this episode is packed with candid insights, actionable advice, and stories you don’t want to miss.
Topics include:
What they wish they knew earlier in the process
How to prepare for leadership transitions
Balancing tradition with innovation
The role of communication and advisors
 Don’t leave your legacy to chance—tune in and learn how to pass the torch with confidence.Chiavetta'sOrville's Home Appliances
Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios.

INtro to INcorporate!

A podcast for entrepreneurs who are looking to overcome challenges, inspire innovation, and propel their business to growth and profitability.
 
Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios.Learn more about CEL
lemurstudios.com