19 DEC 2023 · Born and raised in Schenectady, Chris Spraragen is the fourth generation President and CEO of Schenectady Hardware & Electric (SH&E), a company his great-grandfather started exactly 100 years ago as of this year. As one of the first electrical engineers in the area, his great-grandfather used his skills to modernize the Capital Region by changing all the gas lights to electrical lights in the 1920's.Chris looks back on his childhood fondly, remembering the times his father would tell him about the family business. He first began working at SH&E as a summer helper in his youth, then an assistant project manager in his sophomore year of college. He started in the finance department, but continued to grow and learn about the industry from his father and coworkers. Despite coming from a long line of CEO’s, his father never pressured him into taking over the company, and yet, he took on that responsibility when his father passed away in 2008. Chris explains that even though Schenectady Hardware & Electric has been around for quite some time, their principles remain the same, while their projects continue to grow and develop. With a large local presence, Chris states, “Our fingerprints are all over the Capital Region”. It’s no surprise that with approximately 100 hard working employees, top of the line projects, and competitive pricing, SH&E remains one of the most relevant businesses in the area.While the business typically works within the North Eastern part of New York State, Chris foresees a future where SH&E increases its footprint to help lend their expertise to even more Americans with hardware or electrical problems. Chris Spraragen is a CEO you should know.

28 NOV 2023 · Having dedicated 27 years of service to the Albany Police Department, retired Sergeant Lenny Ricchiuti has made quite an impact on his community, most notably in the area he was raised-- Albany's South End. Since his retirement, Lenny has become the Albany Police Athletic League's (PAL) Executive Director. An affiliate of the National Association of Police Athletic Leagues, Albany saw this nonprofit's inception in 1988. Its mission now is the same as it was then: "The Albany Police Athletic League (PAL), Inc., builds partnerships among youth, police and community through collaborative programs designed to encourage and develop good citizenship, healthy lifestyles and improve the quality of life in Albany, New York". Lenny's involvement with the organization has lasted over 30 years, the majority of which in a leadership capacity.Below is an excerpt from Lenny's nomination for the FBI Directors Community Leadership Award, submitted by Director Wray. Lenny received the award this past May at the FBI National Headquarters:"Lenny’s leadership as a volunteer at those first few PAL events in 1988 were crucial to the early success and are as important today whether raising funds or awareness, managing the daily operations or working with a child during an after-school enrichment program. Currently Albany PAL serves more than 2000 youth annually with a wide range of recreational, educational, social and athletic programs and has approximately 500 youth participating in weekly after school enrichment programming. Enrollment is drawn from every socio-economic demographic and finances will never dictate a child being accepted... Each and every program participant finds a safe non-judgmental space and a program that nurtures and teaches. There is trust that is built between child and mentor. A tool kit is constantly replenished to allow each child to reach their fullest potential, understanding that the adults they interact with [are] totally committed to them."Building community relations and mutual respect between law enforcement and the community is one of Lenny's top goals as Executive Director. As one of the only people who's been with the organization since 1988, Lenny has seen many a mentee grow up to become a mentor. The nonprofit has come a long way since its first event at Bleeker stadium, an Olympic style field day that saw 400 kids and 90 officers. Now, PAL has 8 locations in Albany, and only continues to grow. To keep up with the ever-changing trends and interests of kids, PAL's programs center around various topics such as Robotics, Legos, STEM activities, crime scene analysis/other police work, chess club, STEP teams, cosmetology programs, etc. And if there is a program a child is interested in that they don't offer, they work hard to make it happen. Their library is currently full of 2000 books to help cultivate an enriching learning experience for the youth, and during their Christmas program PAL provides a book and a stocking stuffer to each child in the program. Lenny has a great appreciation for the financial support the organization receives from the community, which helps keep PAL's services accessible for kids in need.Lenny has pride watching his community continue to grow and flourish and wants to continue to foster a positive connection between law enforcement and local families. As an active member of his community since his youth, he stresses the importance of service not only to the community but also for the individual. "There is nothing more rewarding than that feeling you get from a full heart and a full mind knowing you were able to impact a life and/or community", he says.10 years from now, he sees PAL staying in "growth mode". Based on the organization's track record and all the new opportunities that continue to present themselves, he foresees even more community engagement not just from cops but also local parents and other volunteers. He is always planning for the future and is even working on a job description for an assistant director position. His goal is the same as it ever was: to positively impact new lives.For more info, visit AlbanyPAL.org. If you want to contact Lenny, you can email him at programs@albanypal.org or call (518)435-0392. As Lenny says, "Every kid needs a pal. Before kids can go places, they need places to go."Lenny Ricchiuti is a CEO you should know.

18 OCT 2023 · In his youth, David Brown spent his time learning how to swim at his local YMCA. Then, as a teenager, David started working at the YMCA as a janitor and health club attendant, scrubbing down the showers, cleaning equipment, etc.Once he graduated from Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, he began looking for a job. Fortunately for him, his neighbor was the CEO of the YMCA where he grew up and helped refer him to a YMCA in Rochester that had an opening for a Youth Director, a position he immediately fell in love with.He enjoyed working at the YMCA, not only for the membership but also for the camaraderie he found working in after-school programs, summer camps, and other YMCA experiences. These activities were a blast, but he soon realized the fun wasn't the only purpose of the organization. In short, David explains that the Y is for "youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility". There are numerous programs they offer that aim to help strengthen the community from all perspectives, whether it be by offering childcare services, leadership development programs, or other helpful services for the Capital Region.David's work in the community makes it obvious that the YMCA is a necessary organization for the well-being of locals. Recently, they have helped set up housing for 165 men in Schenectady, and for 65 seniors. Some community issues the Capital Region YMCA assists with include food insecurity; diversity, equity, and inclusion; helping new immigrants assimilate, and not to mention giving them supplies and resources to help ease their transition. For David, it is extremely rewarding to see the difference they make, especially considering the YMCA is largely volunteer based.The pandemic really made it obvious how necessary the YMCA is to the community because that time of uncertainty created such a need for assistance. David delves into how his organization had to pivot quickly and respond "to the needs that are critical to people today"-- words he continues to live by. He explains how for-profit companies might cater to what their stakeholders prefer, but for the YMCA, the stakeholders are the community.Still a youth director at heart, David has been humbled to see what an impact the YMCA has had on upcoming generations. He foresees that in 10 years' time, the YMCA will continue to respond to the needs of the community, just on a larger scale, expanding the YMCA's footprint in the Capital Region.David Brown is a CEO You Should Know!

26 SEP 2023 · 40 years ago, Chris Ramsey's parents purchased the Liedkie Moving & Storage Company, thrusting him into the business as a child. Now the CEO of this 120 year old company, Chris has worked his way up from being a mover to a moving salesman and now all the way up to CEO. He even remembers the times when the school bus would drop him off at the warehouse rather than his house. His dedication and tenacity are obvious key aspects of his commitment to this field of work, which he inherits from his parents. He explains how his father started the same way, working first as a mover, and then moving his way up in the company. Many years after Chris' family became the owners of Liedkie Moving, Chris created A Metro, a company which specializes in climate-controlled self-storage. Since moving goes hand-in-hand with storage, this undertaking was a no brainer for go-getter Chris.Despite challenges like everchanging rules and regulations and the labor-intensive work of moving, Chris foresees both companies continuing to grow and flourish. Currently, A Metro has 22 locations, but in ten years time, he anticipates 100 locations all up and down the East coast. With Liedkie holding steady at 100+ employees and A Metro around 50 employees, Chris is proud that both companies are continuously able to help local families during one of the "top three most stressful times" of their lives (moving). He is especially happy to be doing business in the Capital Region, for which he praises as "underrated" for its community and variety of local entrepreneurs. He speaks on the various networking opportunities afforded to him by working in this bustling (but not too busy) area. Not only that, but he enjoys using his companies for good by partnering with and donating to charity organizations like Toys for Tots.Chris expresses his admiration for his profession, saying, "I love this stuff, it's fun for me. It can be stressful but I'm ready for it".Chris Ramsey is a CEO You Should Know!

23 AUG 2023 · Motor Oil Coffee’s founders, Rich Fazio and Joe Bonilla, come from both a background of running an award-winning creative strategy firm, but also movie theater exhibition. This combination allows Motor Oil Coffee to expand through enhanced promotions, but also a focus on delivering a product to consumers that is focused on speed, quality, and presentation.They may be similar in those areas, plus given both were born in Brooklyn, are Geminis, went to UAlbany, worked in the exhibition industry – Joe and Rich are appropriately different.Whereas many see Joe’s exploits on social media, traversing the country by plane or bike, Rich wages the daily (and often losing) battle of raising two girls and a boy with his wife Casey. Rich is a fan of the New York Mets, where Joe is all for the Boston Red Sox. Rich, the New York Jets. Joe, the Los Angeles Rams. You get the idea.And most importantly, where Joe is the big picture, big idea person who can be detail-focused but also lofty, Rich is rooted on making the mechanics work behind the scenes both financially and operationally. It’s a winning combination that has worked for more than a decade.

28 JUL 2023 · Tom Hoffman Jr. has been involved in the family business nearly his entire life. If you couldn't guess from his last name, that family business includes the Hoffman Car Wash-- one of New York State's most well-known car washes! Tom has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer for 23 years and has been working in the family business for 46 years.

9 JUN 2023 · Michael Rankin is a second generation mortgage broker and president of ClearPath Mortgage Solutions. His business philosophy is to improve lives, one transaction at a time. His goal is to educate clients with consultant level service, so they can make the best financial decisions for their individual needs. His constant consideration of education, communication and personalized service is motivated by the desire to make your transaction the best possible experience in lending. Michael Rankin attended Shaker High School.

9 JUN 2023 · Tammy L. Cumo is the co-managing principal of Gleason, Dunn, Walsh & O’Shea. Founded in 1988, Gleason, Dunn, Walsh & O’Shea has earned a reputation for exceptional legal service. Located in New York’s Capital Region, the firm’s highly skilled and experienced attorneys are admitted to all state and federal courts in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, District of Columbia and the United States Supreme Court.The firm’s attorneys have demonstrated experience in widely diverse areas of the law. Its clients also are diverse and include individuals, small entrepreneurial businesses, major financial institutions, health care organizations and medical practices, public and private sector labor organizations, construction companies, real estate developers, and governmental agencies and officials.Tammy’s legal career in the Capital Region spans over 20 years. Her practice primarily involves commercial and transactional matters, general business law for for-profit and not-for-profit entities, physician group representation, and financing transactions from both the borrower and lender side. Tammy also works with clients appearing before NYS agencies such as the NYS Attorney General with respect to condominium and homeowners’ associations and NYS Liquor Authority with respect to liquor licensing and related matters. Tammy was born, raised and educated in the Capital Region completing her undergraduate studies at Russell Sage College in Troy, and her law degree at Albany Law School. She started her legal career at another local law firm before joining Gleason Dunn Walsh & O’Shea in 2014. Tammy is also a dedicated amateur runner, a certified running coach, and resides in Guilderland with her husband.

6 APR 2023 · Michael Fiacco, President and Owner of Old Brick Furniture has early roots in the furniture and mattress industry. A graduate of Niskayuna High School and Empire State College, Fiacco started working for his mother, Denise Cyr, then founder and owner of Bennington Furniture in his high school and college years. After college graduation, Fiacco lived and worked in Greenwich CT for AIG Trading Group and then BNP Paribas in Mid Town Manhatten on a trading desk. In 2006, Fiacco’s mother elected to sell her retail business, Bennington Furniture in Vermont and wanted to transfer ownership to her son. Unconvinced it was the right move for him and his wife Cassie, Michael took weekends to explore the furniture business, working for a furniture retailer in Yonkers, NY Fiacco purchased Bennington Furniture in 2007 and became the second-generation owner. Michael, Cassie and their family left metro-NYC for upstate NY and the opportunity to grow a business. After assuming ownership, Fiacco grew Bennington Furniture, adding locations in New York and Massachusetts as well as an Ashley HomestoreAs a regional retailer, Fiacco became friendly with fellow retailer Old Brick Furniture + Mattress Co. Owner Henry Terk, partly due to their memberships in the Furniture1st buying group. Old Brick Furniture and the former Bennington Furniture have a connection that runs back to 1987 when Cyr founded Bennington Furniture. Old Brick was started as wholesale distributor under the C&D Distributors name in the 1960s. C&D gave Cyr furniture on consignment so she could start the furniture business named after its hometown of Bennington, Vt.As Terk sought retirement, Fiacco purchased Old Brick Furniture + Mattress Co. from Terk in October 2020 mid-COVID pandemic. Over the course of the first two-years of ownership, Fiacco merged the Bennington Furniture and Old Brick Teams, rebranded and remerchandised as Old Brick Furniture, and centralized systems and processes all while the teams taught each other the best, most profitable aspects of their business models. Old Brick Furniture under Fiacco’s leadership opened it’s eight showroom location in Clifton Park, NY in October 2021, followed shortly after with a centralized distribution center also in Clifton Park, NY in November 2021. The Old Brick team opened an additional 20,000 square foot showroom addition on it’s Albany, NY flagship and home office location in October 2022. In March 2023, the team announced the opening of its ninth showroom location, the fourth in the Albany, NY Capital Region, in Amsterdam, NY in early-summer 2023.Fiacco is described by his team as someone with a “will do” work ethic, a hands-on leader who empowers team members to do what they’re great at and some who consistently “preaches pace” with a growth-focused mindset. A husband and father of three children, Michael enjoys time on Lake George and the Vermont ski slopes. Michael is loved by his chocolate labs Mac and Hudson who regularly frequent the home office location. 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15 MAR 2023 · This month's CEO You Should Know is Jay Christiana, President/Principal Broker,Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blake, RealtorsJason is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston, MA where he studied communications, marketing and theater arts. After graduating he moved to Los Angeles, CA to work in the entertainment industry as an assistant to several theatrical agents (representing several well established actors in movie and television) and eventually becoming an agent himself.In 2001 Jason moved to New York and began working in the real estate business as the marketing director of Prudential Manor Homes, Realtors®.In 2008 Jason became the general manager of Prudential Real Estate overseeing the day to day operations of their 8 branch real estate offices and navigating the company through one of its most challenging economic times… the great recession (a very challenging financial time for real estate companies throughout the United States).In 2010 Jason became the managing partner of Prudential Manor Homes, Realtors® overseeing the day to day operations of the firm and shortly thereafter, oversaw the transition to a new real estate brand (Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices), attracting a new generation of real estate agents, managers and leaders to the company.Jason was co-chair of the 2017 “Best Buddies Friendship Walk” at Crossgate’s Mall which raised over $170,000 to help spread the message of inclusion throughout NY schools.For nearly 100 years and four generations of local family direction, Berkshire Hathaway Blake, REALTORS® are dedicated to continued growth, leadership and service throughout upstate New York.