Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

Samantha Post is a second-generation co-owner of T&M Hardware & Rental, which was started by her parents in 1991. The “T&M” stands for Tim and Mary, and they raised their four kids in the family busi…

Gina Vensel is a multifaceted entrepreneur who is involved in several organizations and numerous projects. In 2006, she started Easy Street Promotions, an event planning and marketing company. Her lo…

Ruthann Bowen started her career in public relations, which was a natural fit given her personality and interests. After a twenty-year hiatus to raise her children, she decided to get back into the w…

Duztin Watson’s military career has influenced his leadership style and mindset, but it’s not the only thing that defines him. In our conversation, he was clear to point out that his military experie…

RJ Huebert, a Pennsylvania native, started his marketing career in the Tampa Bay / St. Petersburg area after finishing graduate school at the University of South Florida. It was there that he decided…

In 1990, John Waldron had his “light bulb” moment. After working with a potential client to create a comprehensive tax, investment, and business restructuring strategy, John was asked by the client t…

In 2013, Kristen Ricupero reached a turning point as her mounting debt finally reached a level where it could no longer be ignored. It was at that moment that she decided to educate herself on the su…

Michael Wholihan is the Associate Director of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center. This important non-profit organization is part of a wider network of small business devel…

Naomi Hoppel’s love for design and the use of space led her to a career in architecture. She earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the profession, although graduating into a difficult job m…

This week, I have a special treat for you. Recently, I was a guest on The Third Growth Option Podcast hosted by Benno Duenkelsbuehler. I had the opportunity to talk about growing up in a family of sm…

Will Winter always felt that at some point he would own his own business. After relocating to Pittsburgh with his wife and family, he endured long commutes to work in the city. One day, he called the…

When Jeff Lovett and his wife moved from New York City to southeastern Ohio, they got back in touch with small-town living. It was the early 2000s, and the DIY movement was in full swing. The Lovetts…

When the pandemic temporarily shut down her home inspection business, Jessie Tait started looking for a way to give back to the community. She wanted to feel useful in a time of need, so she began vo…

When Priya Amin had her first child, the trajectory of her career was forever changed. After two years as a stay-at-home mom, she decided that she wanted to get back into the workforce. That’s when s…

A few years ago, Wendy Gilch and her husband were “move-up” buyers. They were selling a townhome and building a dream home for their growing family. This experience left Wendy frustrated, confused, a…

Mark Mammone learned the art and science of fermentation while living in Los Angeles. As an aspiring actor, he practiced his culinary skills during downtime between gigs. After trying his hand at kim…

John Tarallo was young when he discovered that salt could be mixed with herbs and spices to create unique flavors. His Sicilian grandfather often used an imported salt blend on his favorite dishes. T…

George Cook comes from a long line of community bankers. His family has operated a small community bank in the Somerset, PA area for approximately 130 years. While he was earning his MBA at Dartmouth…

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti had a lasting effect on Ian Rosenberger. During his volunteer trip to the devastated Caribbean nation, he kept a journal of his experiences there. One of his journal entr…

In 2008, Fiore Moletz noticed that there was a gap in the Pittsburgh culinary scene. The city needed a gourmet burger restaurant that used high-quality beef and ingredients served in a friendly, home…