Bryanna Russo, owner of Furever Friends Family, went from underpaid and underappreciated at Petco to owning two thriving pet business locations — one in Hopewell Junction, NY, and another in Danbury, CT.
In this episode, Bryanna shares her story of betting on herself, building her first store from scratch with no investors, and now preparing to franchise her dream.
Follow Bryanna: https://www.instagram.com/fureverfriendsfamily/
We talk about:
How she knew it was time to leave her job and start her business
What it took to build Furever Friends from nothing
The sacrifices that come with being a single mom and entrepreneur
Learning to let go and trust her team
The mindset it takes to open a second location
Teaching her kids the power of ownership and hard work
Her vision for legacy and generational wealth
🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode of Hudson Valley Hustle with Joe Amato:
https://beacons.ai/hudsonvalleyhustle
Diego Martín, owner of Hudson Valley Tattoo in Wappingers Falls, NY, left his full-time tattoo job 12 years ago to open his own shop — and never looked back.
In this episode, Diego shares how he built one of the most respected tattoo studios in the Hudson Valley, grew a team of artists, and even launched the Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention that attracts talent from around the world.
We talk about:
How Diego decided to take the leap from employee to owner
Why the tattoo industry exploded after COVID
The real challenges of running a shop with 9+ artists
How social media and word of mouth drive his business
The future of tattoos in an AI-driven world
His advice for anyone ready to start their own business
Connect with Diego: https://www.hudsonvalleytattoocompany.com/
Most people talk about starting a business.
Paul Mascia actually did it.
After 12 years working at BMW dealerships, he hit a breaking point and decided to open M Autwerks, a BMW-only service shop in Congers, NY. Four years later, he’s running the whole thing himself and booked out for weeks.
In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we talk about what it really takes to go from employee to business owner - the fear, the long hours, and the reward of finally calling the shots.
In this conversation:
The moment Paul decided to walk away from his job
Why specializing in one brand (BMW) was the smartest move he made
How he stays busy without advertising
Balancing family, burnout, and 15-hour days
Why trades like this are never going away, even with AI
The money lessons every new business owner learns the hard way
Whether you’re a mechanic, creator, or anyone dreaming about working for yourself, Paul’s story will hit home.
Connect with Paul: https://www.instagram.com/m.autowerks
Eliza Edge is creating an ecosystem for entrepreneurs in the Hudson Valley. Learn how she’s helping startups secure funding, grow revenue, and stay rooted in the region through her work with the Hudson Valley Venture Hub.
Brian Stylez went from spinning weddings to building a CRM software for DJs across the globe. Hear how he transitioned from the DJ booth to launching a tech startup right from the Hudson Valley.
Oliver Wilkinson turned his family’s British pie recipes into a booming business in Wappingers Falls. From farmers markets to frozen shipping plans, this episode dives into the hustle behind Brazed Pies—and why locals can’t get enough of shepherd’s pie and sticky toffee pudding.
Dan Feliciano is the CEO and co-founder of Clotheslyne, a peer-to-peer laundry platform that's revolutionizing how we think about laundry, gig work, and startup funding. In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, Dan shares what it takes to build a disruptive business, why most startup advice is garbage, and the brutal truths about raising money when you're just starting out.Whether you're a founder, investor, or just hustle-curious, this is a no-fluff, insight-packed episode you don't want to miss.
In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, I sit down with personal injury attorney John DeGasperis, founder of New York Injury Law, to discuss his journey from partner at a respected law firm to starting his own successful practice. With over 200,000 followers on social media, John shares the honest realities of law school, how personal branding changed his career, and what it takes to thrive in the legal field today.
Jose Marti, sensei and owner of Marti Martial Arts Academy, joins Hudson Valley Hustle to discuss his journey from learning kung fu for self-defense in Brooklyn to becoming a community leader shaping character and discipline through martial arts. Discover how Jose blends physical fitness, self-defense, and life lessons into an impactful 23-year career.
Can you really make money doing something you love, or is it just motivational talk? Matt Hernandez joins us on Hudson Valley Hustle to share his honest story about leaving the corporate accounting world behind to open a successful salsa dance studio in Chester, NY.
He breaks down the ups and downs, why salsa dancing is secretly harder than most people realize, and how he's turning students who say "I can't dance" into confident dancers.
Whether you're thinking about starting your own thing or just curious about how someone makes dancing a full-time job, Matt’s story offers relatable insights and practical advice.
Check out Matt’s dance studio: https://www.mhdanceco.com/
In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we talk to Ron Cardillo, co-founder of Toadstool Labs, about the world of medicinal mushrooms and their impact on health and wellness. We dive deep into the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, the differences between culinary, medicinal, and psychedelic mushrooms, and how mushrooms can transform your health. Ron shares his journey, business insights, and how Toadstool Labs is bringing this ancient knowledge into the modern world.🍄 Whether you're a health enthusiast, entrepreneur, or just curious about the power of mushrooms, this episode is a must-watch!
In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with Anthony Cascarino, owner of Cascarino's in Montgomery to uncover the secrets behind running a successful pizzeria for over 23 years. We discuss the challenges of the restaurant business, what makes Cascarino’s a community favorite, how to stay competitive, and the importance of adapting to change. From family dynamics to the power of word-of-mouth marketing, this conversation is packed with insights for restaurant owners, entrepreneurs, and food lovers alike.
In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, I chat with Kevin Wilson from Relax at Home Massage, a mobile massage therapist who left the corporate world and spa life behind to run his own business full-time. We talk about:
✅ The moment he knew he had to go all in on his business
✅ Why reviews drive more leads than social media
✅ The struggles of scaling a service-based business
✅ How he learned to trust a team and delegate work
✅ Why having support from family can make all the difference
If you’ve ever thought about turning your side hustle into your main gig, this episode is for you!
💆♂️ Book a massage with Kevin: https://www.relaxathomemassage.com/
In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with John Ragusa, owner of the Imperial Castle, a beloved vintage toy store in Pawling, NY. John shares his journey from corporate life to running a store that’s become a haven for nostalgia lovers. Discover how his love for collecting transformed into a thriving business, the emotional stories behind iconic toys, and his unexpected leap into television. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, collectors, and anyone looking for a dose of inspiration!
Highlights:
In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, Nina Bartholomew shares her journey from starting a Montessori-inspired educational community to running a successful business built on values of connection and joy. Learn how she balances entrepreneurship, education, and family while staying true to her mission of creating a supportive space for children and families. Connect with Nina
https://littlegardenmontessori.org/
Ready for your business to go viral? Connect with us:
In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with Jason Coppola, owner of Hudson Valley Sun Rooms. Jason shares his journey of taking over a 40-year-old business, the challenges of maintaining trust in a luxury market, and the importance of empowering his team to build a sustainable future. Discover actionable lessons in entrepreneurship, reputation management, and standing out in a competitive industry.
Learn More
https://www.hudsonvalleysunrooms.com/
Ready to Make Your Business Go Viral? Connect with Us: https://vivocreative.net
Zachary Gumpel of HRH Development joins us to talk about building custom homes in the Hudson Valley. We explore his transition from NYC real estate to upstate home building, the hidden costs and challenges of land development, and why so many people underestimate the process. Plus, Zachary shares tips on avoiding costly mistakes and making the dream of a custom home a reality.
In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, Joe is joined by Judy Annunziata, the Fruit Queen of the Hudson Valley and owner an Edible Arrangements franchise. Judy shares her unique perspective on running a franchise like a local business, the misconceptions about franchising, and the real hustle it takes to succeed. From building brand awareness to managing holiday rushes and pivoting in 2020, Judy’s story is packed with insights for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.
In this episode of Hudson Valley Hustle, we sit down with Russell Rojas, the young entrepreneur behind Rojas Collectibles. Russell opens up about his journey from a lifelong collector to a thriving business owner, sharing insights on taking risks, building a brand, and the power of nostalgia in the world of collectibles. Perfect for collectors, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to turn passion into a paycheck, this episode is full of valuable lessons and inspiration.
Andrew Torres, better known as DJ Grand Finale, joins the Hudson Valley Hustle Podcast to talk about his career in entertainment and what it takes to succeed as a DJ and business owner. From humble beginnings at age 15 to running a team that handles events from weddings to nightclubs, Andrew shares insights on balancing work and family, managing pressure, and staying passionate. Tune in to discover his tips for creating unforgettable events and the power of word-of-mouth marketing.
