Fueling entrepreneurial growth — one story at a time.
Presented by the UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios, INcorporate is a podcast for entrepreneurs who are looking to overcome challenges, inspire innovation and propel their business to growth and profitability. Each episode will feature experts and business owners in the community who will share the expertise and lived experience that comes with running a successful business.
Listen to INcorporate wherever you get your podcasts.
Susan Steffan and Jordan Lema introduce INcorporate: A podcast for business owners.
Succession planning is one of the most critical—and often most neglected—parts of running a business. In this episode of INcorporate, hosts Susan Steffan and Jordan Lema explore the real-world challenges and strategies behind leadership transition in family businesses.
Joining Susan and Jordan in the studio are two guests with firsthand experience: Kathleen Chiavetta, Core '20, COO of Chiavetta's Catering, a third-generation owner navigating the legacy of her family business, and Shawn Buffum, Core '24, CEO of Orville's Home Appliances, a non-family CEO who stepped in to lead through a major transition.
Together, they unpack what succession looks like in practice. From navigating expectations and preserving culture, to building a formal plan. If you're a business owner thinking about the future, this episode is packed with candid insights, actionable advice, and stories you don’t want to miss.
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Don’t leave your legacy to chance—tune in and learn how to pass the torch with confidence.
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere—but what does it really mean for small business owners? In this episode of INcorporate, host Susan Steffan, Executive Director of the UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, explores the real-world impact of AI with guests Dominic Sellitto, faculty member at the UB School of Management specializing in AI and cybersecurity, and Tony DeSimone, a consultant who helps entrepreneurs implement AI for greater productivity and efficiency.
Together with producer Jordan Lema of Lemur Studios, they break down what AI is (and isn’t), bust common myths and share simple, practical tools that small businesses can start using today. From time-saving apps to cybersecurity best practices, this conversation offers actionable advice for making your business smarter, faster, and safer with AI.
Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or looking to integrate it more strategically into your operations, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
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Tune in and take your first step toward making AI work for your business—not against it.
In this episode of INcorporate, Susan Steffan and Jordan Lema talk with Alan Pawlowski, valuation expert and principal at Pace Management Group, to explore the real drivers behind business value. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, understanding what your company is worth—and how to grow that value—is critical to your long-term success.
Alan breaks down the key factors that impact valuation, from financial performance to leadership structure. You’ll also hear practical advice on preparing for sale, succession, or future investment—no matter where you are in your business journey.
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Whether you're looking to exit in the next 10 years or just want to future-proof your business, this episode will give you the tools to make smarter, more strategic decisions. Tune in to gain clarity, confidence, and control over what your business is truly worth!
In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan sit down with two mission-driven entrepreneurs who are proving that business can be both profitable and purposeful. Del Reid, co-founder of Bills Mafia and founder of 26 Shirts, and Curtis Knight, founder of Cater Tots, share how they built financially sustainable businesses that give back to their communities in powerful ways.
Through personal stories and practical advice, Del and Curtis reveal how their core values shaped their business models—and how staying focused on their missions fuels both impact and income.
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Tune in now and learn how to build a business that does good while doing well.
In this episode of INcorporate: A Podcast for Business Owners, Susan and Jordan sit down with supply chain expert John Hogg of Straightforward Consulting to unpack the power of supply chain strategy for small businesses. Whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, or service-based business, this conversation reveals how efficient systems can boost profitability, reduce risk, and create long-term growth.
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Learn how to build a resilient supply chain that scales with you. Listen now and share with your fellow entrepreneurs!
In this episode, Susan and Jordan are joined by attorneys Lisa Coppola and Matthew Pelkey for an insightful discussion on the legal pitfalls and protections every entrepreneur should understand. From hiring your first employee to forming business partnerships, legal missteps can be costly. With real-life examples and practical advice, Lisa and Matthew break down the complex legal landscape for small business owners in a way that’s easy to understand and act on.
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Don’t wait for a lawsuit to think legally. Tune in now and get the tools to protect your business from day one!
The discussion in this podcast should not be considered legal advice.
In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan are joined by Celine Krzan, clinical assistant professor of entrepreneurship at the UB School of Management, and Heather Sidorowicz, Core '12, president of Southtown Audio Video, to explore the transformative power of mentorship in business. Through real stories and candid discussion, they share how mentoring relationships—both as mentor and mentee—can spark personal growth, unlock business success, and create lasting connections.
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Whether you're seeking guidance or ready to give back, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration. Tune in to discover how mentorship can elevate your business journey!
In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan dive into the often-overlooked world of financial and estate planning with guests Dan Cavaretta, Core '23, of Cornerstone Capital Wealth Management, and Dan Schuller, an estate planning attorney from PB Elder Law. Together, they break down what business owners need to know to protect their wealth, legacy and family.
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Whether you're scaling up, winding down or just getting started, don't wait until it's too late. Get organized, consult the right professionals and protect what you’ve built. Subscribe to INcorporate and start securing your future today!
In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan are joined by Michael Krupski and Cassie Nguyen, clinical assistant professors at the University at Buffalo School of Management, to explore the innovative Projects Clinic. Designed to bridge the gap between academia and small business, the Projects Clinic pairs student teams with real companies to tackle real challenges—from data and operations to marketing and strategy. You’ll hear how this program empowers students with hands-on experience while delivering tangible results to businesses at no cost. The discussion busts myths about academia being out of touch, highlighting how deeply embedded UB faculty and students are in Western New York’s entrepreneurial community.
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Whether you’re overwhelmed by your to-do list or looking to level up your operations, this episode will show you how to turn student talent into real-world impact.
In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan are joined by Cassie Conroy, EE '21, founder of CazMethod, and Julie Kruger, Core '22, owner of Kruger Immigration Law. Together, they dive into what’s working in digital marketing right now, how to create authentic content and how small business owners can cut through the noise to reach the right audience.
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Whether you're ready to start posting or just figuring out where your customers are, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your business stand out online.
Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
School of Management
University at Buffalo
UB Downtown Gateway
77 Goodell St., Suite 201
Buffalo, NY 14203
Tel: 716-885-5715
mgt-cel@buffalo.edu
Meet our Team