INcorporate - A Podcast for Business Owners

When Family and Business Collide: Managing Conflict, Leadership, and Succession

When family and business collide, things can get complicated. This episode Susan and Jordan are joined by Joe Manna of Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP and Alan Pawlowski of Pace Management. We dive into the unique challenges and rewards of running a family business. From navigating succession planning to managing unique emotional dynamics. This conversation uncovers how communication, structure, and proactive planning can make or break a multigenerational legacy.
Topics Discussed
Why family businesses are both uniquely rewarding and uniquely challenging
The real reason owners delay succession planning (hint: it’s not strategy)
How poor communication creates long-term conflict
The importance of governance, structure, and defined roles
Key legal and operational documents every family business needs
Creating family policies to prevent future disputes
Navigating underperformance and difficult family dynamics
Balancing fairness vs. effectiveness when choosing future leaders
The emotional side of letting go, and redefining legacy
If this episode hit close to home, share it with another family business. Reach out to your family or trusted advisors and take the first step toward a stronger, more sustainable future for your business. Check out Pace Management and Joseph Manna's LinkedIn page for more information about his efforts to support entrepreneurs.Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

Recession-Proofing Your Business: Lean Strategies for INflation, Rising Costs, and Succession

Rising costs, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty are putting pressure on businesses everywhere,but cutting costs the wrong way can do more harm than good. In this episode, Susan and Jordan sit down with John Hogg of Straightforward Consulting to break down how lean strategies can help business owners reduce waste, improve efficiency, and protect profitability without sacrificing growth.
 
Topics Covered
How rising costs expose weaknesses in your business operations
What “lean thinking” really means
The 8 types of waste and how to identify them in any business
Common inefficiencies that go unnoticed
The difference between smart cost reduction and harmful cost cutting
How improving efficiency can boost both profit and employee well-being
Practical steps to start optimizing your operations today
If this episode gave you a new perspective on your business operations, share it with another business owner who’s feeling the pressure, and start a conversation about working smarter, not harder.Check out Straightforward ConsultingPresented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

From Leads to Loyal Customers: Sales Strategies That Actually Work

Turning leads into loyal customers doesn’t happen by accident, it requires a deliberate sales strategy. In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan are joined by sales consultant Tony Watson and entrepreneur Aaron Partridge to unpack what it really takes for small business owners to build a consistent, scalable sales process.
Topics Discussed:
Why many small businesses struggle with sales and hit revenue plateaus
The importance of proactive prospecting and keeping the sales funnel full
How to define your ideal customer profile (ICP) and value proposition
Building a repeatable sales process using tools like CRMs
The role of role-playing, coaching, and consistent training for sales teams
Common sales mistakes that cost businesses opportunities
How follow-up and relationship-building turn leads into long-term customers
If you’re ready to move beyond accidental sales and build a predictable growth engine for your business, this episode is for you. Listen now, then share it with a fellow business owner and start putting these strategies into action to grow your pipeline and close more deals.Check out Double A Landscaping and WNY Sales SolutionsPresented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

Going Digital: Marketing that Connects in 2025

In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan are joined by digital marketing expert Cassie Conroy and immigration attorney Julie Kruger. Together, they dive into what’s working in digital marketing right now, how to create authentic content, and how small business owners can cut through the noise to reach the right audience.
Topics Discussed:
How to identify the right platform for your audience
Using SEO and content strategy to build long-term visibility
Trial-and-error in social media: what to expect and how to improve
Creating a content calendar around client pain points and hot topics
Leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance, not replace, your voice
Why authenticity trumps perfection in digital marketing
Repurposing content efficiently for maximum impact
Whether you're ready to start posting or just figuring out where your customers are, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your business stand out online.Check out CazMethod and Kruger Immigration LawPresented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

Campus Meets Commerce: How UB Students & Faculty Fuel Small Business Success

In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan are joined by Michael Krupski and Cassie Nguyen, Clinical Assistant Professors at the University at Buffalo School of Management, to explore the innovative Projects Clinic. Designed to bridge the gap between academia and small business, the Projects Clinic pairs student teams with real companies to tackle real challenges—from data and operations to marketing and strategy.
You’ll hear how this program empowers students with hands-on experience while delivering tangible results to businesses, often at no cost. The discussion busts myths about academia being out of touch, highlighting how deeply embedded UB faculty and students are in Western New York’s entrepreneurial community.
Topics Discussed:
What the Projects Clinic is and how it works
Types of businesses and projects that participate
How student teams are selected and matched with companies
Real-world success stories from local businesses
The role of experiential learning for students and business owners
Insights into UB’s broader efforts to support entrepreneurs
How even solopreneurs can benefit from university partnerships
The value of fresh perspectives and multidisciplinary student teams
Whether you’re overwhelmed by your to-do list or looking to level up your operations, this episode will show you how to turn student talent into real-world impact.Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

Protecting the Legacy: Smart Financial & Estate Planning for Business Owners

In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan dive into the often-overlooked world of financial and estate planning with guests Dan Cavaretta of Cornerstone Capital Wealth Management and Dan Schuller, an estate planning attorney from PB Elder Law. Together, they break down what business owners need to know to protect their wealth, legacy, and family.
Topics Discussed:
Why financial and estate planning go hand-in-hand for business owners
The importance of updated wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies
How beneficiary designations can override your will (and create unintended consequences)
Common mistakes business owners make with business accounts, personal assets, and documentation
Protecting business assets through proper titling and legal agreements
Key financial planning strategies to ensure a smooth business transition or sale
How often to review and update your documents (spoiler: at least every 3–5 years)
Whether you're scaling up, winding down, or just getting started, don't wait until it's too late. Get organized, consult the right professionals, and protect what you’ve built. Subscribe to INcorporate and start securing your future today!Learn more about Cornerstone Capital Wealth ManagementLearn more about PB Elder LawPresented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

Full Circle: The Power of Mentorship in Business and Beyond

In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan are joined by UB School of Management’s Celine Krzan and business owner Heather Sidorowicz to explore the transformative power of mentorship in business. Through real stories and candid discussion, they share how mentoring relationships—both as mentor and mentee—can spark personal growth, unlock business success, and create lasting connections.
Topics Discussed:
Personal journeys of being mentored and becoming mentors
The role of CEL in facilitating impactful mentorship
How to handle challenging mentor-mentee dynamics
The value of vulnerability and accountability in business growth
Tips for finding and becoming the right mentor
How mentorship can reignite passion and expand networks
Whether you're seeking guidance or ready to give back, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration. Tune in to discover how mentorship can elevate your business journey!Learn more about Southtown AVPresented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios
 
 

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