FLX Stories: Recent Episodes
Brian Imrich
FLX Stories is here to help broadcast and share the treasure chest of stories, adventures and wisdom that upstate New York and the Finger Lakes Region have to offer!
Today we welcome Joe Hurley, the owner of Kettle Ridge Farm to the studio. Joe shares his story, all the fun events/activities at Kettle Ridge and much more. We definitely recommend you check out their website and sign up for the newsletter so you stay on top of their latest and greatest. Visit https://www.kettleridgefarm.com/ and enjoy!
On today's episode we had the pleasure of speaking with the Director of the Victor Farmington Library, Tim Niver and the Development Manager, Jess Pritchard. Our main focus was the proposal to build a beautiful new library for the community to enjoy for decades to come. For more information, please visit https://victorfarmingtonlibrary.org/new/ and follow on Facebook @victorfarmingtonlibrary. Enjoy!
Today we had our first repeat guest, Mr. Mike Broker, who started the incredible drive through light experience the Festival of Lights at Victor Hills Golf Club. The light show opened in 2019 and is back this year with the amazing goal of raising $40,000 ($5 donation for each car) for the C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association. For more information and to get your tickets, please go to www.roclights.com.
Enjoy!
Today we welcomed the oh so impressive founder and coach of the Bristol Mountain Freestyle Team to the studio. Mr. John Kroetz or "Coach Johnny" as we call him all episode takes us on a journey of how he got the freestyle team started over 20 years ago, the different levels of competition, how we can help support our local athletes and so much more. For more information, please visit https://www.bristolmountain.com/freestyle-team/, follow on facebook and go to http://graafusa.org/bristol-freestyle to donate and show your support.
Today we welcomed Dr. Jose Balseca the owner of Attune Sports Chiropractic located in Pittsford NY. I have know and been a patient of "Doc Jose" for a while now and was so excited to get to spend more time getting to know his story. We cover the basics of where he grew up and how he got the area. Then we dive deeper into some rock solid suggestions for best practices/habits in working from home as well as good habits for wellness and overall health. Finally, we discuss the Doc's latest certifications and Diplomate completion which will allow him to work with Olympic athletes here in the US and top performing athletes internationally. For more information, please visit www.attunechiropractic.com or on facebook @attunesportschiropractic.
On today’s episode, meet co-hosts Sarah Canzano & Brian Imrich. They discuss how they got to the area, their hopes for the podcast and a bunch of other random bits of personal information to help get to know them better. Enjoy!
Today we welcome Devan Blazey the founder of Summit K9 Training. Devan grew up in Victor, New York and started Summit K9 about four years ago. We discuss tips for new dog owners and common mistakes new and old dog owners may not know. Like many others during the pandemic, my family just recently become proud owners of a puppy. On New Year's Eve we brought home "Teddy good boy" a toy golden doodle and since then we have been learning the ropes of puppy parenting! Today's episode shines a spotlight on how the help of skilled trainers like Devan can be invaluable for families like my own. For more information about Devan and Summit K9 please visit their website https://www.summitk9training.com or follow them on Facebook @summitcaninetraining.
Today in the pub we had the amazing Morgan Devaney, the founder of MorSushi. Morgan and I talk about how she got started, the incredible and extensive menu she has cultivated over the years and the sushi "pop ups" she does at the NY Kitchen. If you are new to sushi or an old pro, you need to check out Morgan's work. For more information, please visit www.morsushi.com and follow her on Facebook @morsushi.
Today's guest is absolutely no stranger to a pub! We welcomed Mr. Rob Shafer, the owner of the Sumblin' Monkey Brewery located in the Village of Victor, NY. Rob and I discuss his early days starting off with a home brewing kit, to eventually taking the bold jump in opening a brewery of his own. We talk about some of the changes the pandemic has brought to the business, Rob's favorite micro and mainstream beers and much much more! For more info on The Stumblin' Monkey get on over to their website www.stumblinmonkeybeer.com and follow them on Facebook at @stumblinmonkey. Cheers and enjoy!
Today we had the incredible Ellen Brenner in the pub with us! Ellen started and co owns the local Rochester and Buffalo area Fleet Feet stores with her husband and business partner "Boots." Ellen and I discuss how they got started, how the pandemic has positively impacted the ways they do business and stick around for the end when we lay out our 3 Pandemic Playbook action steps. For more information on Fleet Feet Rochester, please visit the wealth of resources they have at their website https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/rochester. You can also join their Fleet Feet Rochester Facebook group or the Fleet Feet WNY Running is NOT Cancelled group. Enjoy!
On today's episode we welcomed Mr. Dave Wright, the Chairman of the Victor Hiking Trails Inc. One of the most surprising things I learned is that there are over 65 miles of trail to explore and enjoy in Victor, NY. Dave and I discuss how the organization got its start almost 30 years ago, ways to get involved with the trails and please tune in till the end when we outline our Pandemic Playbook action ideas.
For more information on the Victor Hiking Trails please visit https://victorhikingtrails.org/index.php, join them on Meetup at https://www.meetup.com/Victor-Hiking-Trails-Meetup/ and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Victor-Hiking-Trails-108669392505576/
For more wisdom or information on PubGPS, please visit www.pubgps.com.
Stay healthy and please be safe!
On today's episode I am delighted to have Elsa Guenther in the pub with me. Elsa is in the early stages of launching her health and wellness business and in today's environment, her insights and advice are invaluable. We discuss how she got to Rochester, the impact of social media on our mental health, tips for daily wellness and so much more. To contact or find out more about Elsa, please follow her on Instagram @ekg_roc or send her an email at ekguenther@gmail.com.
Today I am joined by Ashley Robinson, the owner and founder of Spoke Cycle & Fitness Studio. Ashley is a fellow S.U.N.Y Geneseo graduate like myself, but we saved most of the reminiscing for when the mic was off. Ashley's entrepreneurial adventures have taken her from Geneseo to Rochester and then on to Boston. Now back in the area, with kids in toe, Ashley planned, prepped and opened Spoke in May of 2019. Our theme for this season is wellness, but our call to action is "just try it." For more information and to get in for your first class, please visit www.spokecycleandfitness.com.
On today’s episode we welcome Mandy Wolfram, the owner of Victor Yoga Studio. Mandy’s studio has been a staple on Main St. Victor for the past 12 years. I intentionally avoided all caffeine before our interview so I could be extra relaxed and ready to dive into the world of yoga. We discuss where she grew up, how she got introduced to yoga and ultimately established Victor Yoga Studio. My favorite part was in learning all the different variations of yoga classes, including one that integrates drinking beer while posing! After listening and learning about the relaxed and welcoming environment the studio offers, I am going to dust off my yoga pants and give it another try. I hope you enjoy this episode and please check out www.victoryogastudio.com or follow them on Facebook @victoryogastudio for more information.
On today’s episode we welcome Rachel Bantelman Evans the owner of Lumos Infrared Sauna Studio in Victor, NY. We discuss the role that sports has played in preparing her for entrepreneurship, the benefits of infrared sauna therapy and what I would call a strong competitive advantage in having a strong partner (her husband Jordan) to complement your strengths. For more information and to book your first sauna session, please visit www.lumosinfraredsauna.com.
Today we kick off our “Wellness” focused episodes with Mr. John Ingallina, the owner of the United Martial Arts Center located on School St. in Victor, NY. John and I talk about all of the amazing programs they offer at UMAC including the Bullyproof children’s program, what differentiates Jiu Jitsu from other forms of martial arts, and you don’t want to miss the end when John explains the five principles of physical self defense training. For more information about UMAC please go to www.selfdefensecenter.com.
On today’s episode we have Victor’s very own Coach Steve! Coach Steve has been the town’s Recreation Supervisor for almost 20 years and we hope he has at least 20 more left in him. Coach Steve has been a positive influence and role model to over 30,000 kids over his 35 year long career. He is as genuine as they come and a great example of finding a role and career that makes you happy. Enjoy!
On today’s episode I am joined by the awesome Jules Wojtowicz, owner of the local branding company All That Swag. Jules, the “Queen of Swag,” starts her story by sharing with us her early adventures running a furniture manufacturing business on the west coast. From there we talk about her journey that ultimately lands her in Western NY. Jules shares some advice for those small businesses looking to start their branding journey, her top 5 tips for entrepreneurs and much more. For more information on All That Swag please visit www.allthatswagwny.com. Enjoy!
On today’s episode we welcome Dr. Justin P. Calhoun and Dr. Luke J. Sparaccio from Calhoun Chiropractic Wellness Center. This episode is packed with valuable information for patients, students and Chiropractors just entering the business world. Our topics range from different Chiropractic methods to general health and wellness and a whole lot more. Stick around after the episode for some bonus footage too! For more information, please visit their website at https://calhounchiropractic.net/
On today’s episode we welcome the powerhouse baking duo Jennifer Check and Christine Bernhardt the owners of the gluten free bakery Bright Side Sweets. We discuss friendship and business, favorite baked goods and so much more. Make sure to stay tuned at the very end for our outtakes where they reveal their secret ingredient! For more information, follow them on Facebook @brightsidesweetsgf or click here.
Today I am joined by Sarah Canzano who is a certified Mouse Counselor! Sarah’s passion for helping families make the most of their Disney experience rings proudly throughout our conversation today. We discuss how she got into this awesome line of work, tips for planning your Disney trip and invaluable advice to others looking to make the most of working from home. For more information, please email Sarah at sarahcanzano@mousecounselors.com.
Today, I am joined by Michele Liddle the founder of The Perfect Granola company. Michele and I discuss her background, family life and then the amazing work being done at her company. Michele founded The Perfect Granola in 2016 and in this short period of time she has built an incredible mission based organization who’s tagline “creating a better world through food and love” fits so perfectly. You can find Perfect Granola products at Wegmans, Walmart, Tops, Shop-Rite and many other retailers. Please check out their website www.theperfectranola.com and follow them on social media @theperfectgranola.
Today I am joined by Mr. Herb Ego who started the Victor Doodle Bugs childcare center with his wife Karen in 2012. Herb and I discuss his story and how he came to land in the Rochester area. From there, we discuss family traditions, what makes Doodle Bugs so special and he shares some invaluable lessons he has learned along the way. For more information on the Victor Doodle Bugs location please visit https://www.doodlebugs.com/location/victor/
On today’s episode we have Mr. Bruce Raggi, the man behind the wonderful neighborhood light show located on Buckskin Drive in Farmington, NY. Bruce and I discuss the origin of the light show and all the great causes they collect donations for. Visit their Facebook page @RaggiChristmasLightShow to learn hours, location and much more!
On today’s episode we have the lucky lady charged with the overwhelming task of fixing my golf swing. Darlene Sommer is the Head Golf Pro & General Manager at Champion Hills Country Club located in Victor, NY. Fortunately for me, Darlene is a patient and awesome sport! We talk about the history of golf, the state of the game today and the comfortable family friendly environment they have created at Champion Hills.
We welcome my "Dads of Daycare" friend Mr. Dan Ryan of Ryan & Sons Painting to the Pub today. Dan and I dive into the world of running a family-owned business and his backstory of growing up in the Rochester area. It was great chatting in studio with Dan instead of the Victor Starbucks.
Check them out on Facebook @ryansonspainting
We welcome Mike Broker to the Pub today as we discuss the 2019 grand opening of Roc Lights at Victor Hills! We uncover how this is no run of the mill light show you might seeing driving home from the mall. It was awesome having Mike in studio to hear about this truly unique and special family event.
Check it out on Facebook @roclightsvictorhills