INcorporate - A Podcast for Business Owners

Leadership That Works: How Great Leaders Build Stronger Businesses

What separates a skilled entrepreneur from a truly effective business leader? In this episode of INcorporate, we sit down with Dr. Jim Lemoine and Althea Luehrsen to explore how leadership becomes the defining factor in long-term business success. 
Topics discussed:
Why leadership becomes critical as businesses scale
The difference between technical expertise and leading people
Common leadership mistakes entrepreneurs make
How company culture impacts employee retention and performance
Leadership styles that help businesses thrive
Real-world lessons from entrepreneurship and management experience
Building trust, accountability, and motivation within teams
Whether you’re leading a small team or scaling a growing company, this episode offers practical insights to help you become a more intentional and effective leader.
Listen now and discover how better leadership can strengthen your business from the inside out.Check out Dr. Jim Lemoine and August Moon Consulting
Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

Employee Benefits & Insurance: Building Competitive Packages Without Breaking the Bank

Employee benefits can feel like one of the most confusing—and costly—parts of running a business. In this episode we discuss how small business owners can approach benefits more strategically. 
Topics Discussed:
Why health insurance premiums keep rising
How to think strategically about benefits beyond just health insurance
The role of benefits in recruiting and retaining top talent
Affordable ways small businesses can stay competitive with larger employers
Breaking down confusing options like HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs
How workplace perks (flexibility, PTO, culture) factor into total compensation
What to expect from a benefits broker—and how to get real value from the relationship
Practical steps to evaluate and improve your current benefits strategy
 
If you’re a business owner trying to make smarter decisions about your team and your bottom line, this episode is a must-listen. Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who could benefit from a clearer, more strategic approach to employee benefits.
Check out Higgins Agency GroupPresented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

Acquisition Entrepreneurship: Buying a Business as a Path to Ownership and Growth

What if the fastest path to business ownership isn’t starting from scratch—but buying something that already works? In this episode, we explore acquisition entrepreneurship and why it’s gaining traction among professionals looking for a smarter, lower-risk entry into ownership. Featuring insights from experienced operators and educators, the conversation breaks down how to evaluate, finance, and grow businesses through acquisition.
 
Topics Discussed
What acquisition entrepreneurship is and why it’s on the rise
Buying vs. building: key advantages and trade-offs
How to evaluate a business before acquiring it
Financing options and deal structures
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Using acquisitions as a growth and scaling strategy
Real-world lessons from experienced buyers and mentors
Thinking about buying a business or expanding through acquisition? Tune in, take notes, and start exploring how this approach could accelerate your path to ownership and long-term growth.Check out Tim Delaney and Bob Neubert!
Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

HR for Small Business: Avoiding Legal Landmines & Building a Strong Workforce

Navigating HR and employment law isn’t just a compliance exercise, it’s a critical part of building a resilient, high-performing business. In this episode, we break down the evolving legal landscape for small business owners, especially in New York, and share practical strategies for reducing risk while strengthening your workforce.
In this episode, we cover:
The shifting employment law landscape and what it means for small businesses
Common HR compliance mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Employee classification: exempt vs. non-exempt and contractor vs. employee
The impact of pay transparency laws on hiring and internal equity
Legal risks in screening, interviewing, and onboarding employees
Paid leave laws, PTO confusion, and policy pitfalls
The importance of documentation, handbooks, and HR systems
How to proactively reduce risk with insurance and expert support
If you want to protect your business and build a stronger team, start by taking one step today—review your HR practices or create an employee handbook. Then follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with another business owner who needs to stay ahead of today’s workforce challenges.Check out The Coppola Firm and TripleTrack HR PartnersPresented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

AI for Small Business: From Experimentation to Real Business Advantage

AI is reshaping how businesses operate. But for many owners, it still feels overwhelming. In this episode, we break down what AI actually is (and isn’t), and explore practical ways small businesses can start using it today. From automating repetitive tasks to building custom tools without coding, this conversation cuts through the hype and focuses on how AI can save time and drive smarter decisions, without replacing the human touch.
Topics Discussed
Common misconceptions about AI and why it’s not “thinking” like humans
How to identify the best starting point for AI in your business
Practical use cases: automation, data analysis, and workflow optimization
Building simple, custom tools with AI
Risks to watch for: data privacy, hallucinations, and context limits
Moving from experimentation to a strategic AI approach
Ready to take the first step with AI? Start by identifying one task that slows you down—and explore how AI could simplify it. Then share this episode with a fellow business owner and start the conversation about working smarter, not harder.Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

Marketing in the Age of AI: Smarter Strategies for Small Businesses

Marketing is evolving faster than ever and AI is changing the rules. In this episode, we break down what actually matters for small business owners trying to cut through the noise and grow sustainably. From choosing the right platforms to understanding what drives real results, this conversation blends timeless marketing fundamentals with modern AI-powered tactics.
In this episode, we cover:
The biggest shifts in marketing strategy over the past decade
Why relevance matters more than reach
How to identify where your audience actually spends time
The difference between impressions, clicks, and conversions (and what to focus on)
Why your website and email list are still your most valuable assets
How to use AI as a strategic partner—not just a content generator
Common marketing mistakes (and how to avoid wasting budget)
How to turn existing customers into your best growth channel
If you’re ready to simplify your marketing and focus on what truly drives growth, hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow business owner who could use a smarter strategy.Check out Parkway DigitalPresented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios
 
 

Know Your Numbers: Accounting and Finance Strategies Every Business Owner Needs

Understanding your numbers is one of the most important things a business owner can do, but it’s also one of the most commonly avoided. In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan sit down with Regional Managing Partner for the Bonadio Group Denise Neamon, and VP for Commercial Lending at Tompkins Bank Sean Quinn to break down how entrepreneurs can take control of their finances, make smarter decisions, and position their businesses for sustainable growth.
Topics discussed in this episode:
Why many business owners struggle with accounting and financial management
The financial reports every business owner should understand
How lenders evaluate businesses for loans and what records they require
Common financial blind spots like poor cash forecasting and under/over financing
Using KPIs, industry benchmarks, and financial data to improve decisions
How to choose the right accountant, banker, and professional advisors
Practical first steps for business owners who want to better understand their numbers
Real-world examples of financial mistakes—and long-term success stories
If this episode helped clarify your financial picture, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who could benefit from understanding their numbers a little better.Check out The Bonadio Group and Tompkins Bank
Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios

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