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.

Topics include:

• What they wish they knew earlier in the process
• How to prepare for leadership transitions
• Balancing tradition with innovation
• The role of communication and advisors

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.

Key Takeaways:

• Misconceptions about AI—and what business owners should really know
• Easy-to-implement tools for immediate impact
• Real-life examples of how AI boosts efficiency and cuts costs
• Cybersecurity tips when using AI with sensitive data
• Long-term strategies and upcoming trends every entrepreneur should watch

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.

Topics discussed include:

• Why valuation matters—even if you’re not planning to sell soon
• The top factors that influence your company’s value
• How owner dependency lowers business valuation
• Ways to increase value by improving operations and leadership
• Common misconceptions about business valuation
• Preparing for a future sale or succession
• Tools and professional resources that support valuation planning

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.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The origin stories behind 26 Shirts and Cater Tots
• How to build a mission-driven business without sacrificing sustainability
• Balancing heart and margins in day-to-day operations
• Mistakes learned the hard way (and how they rebounded)
• Hiring people aligned with your mission and building a values-based culture
• How to measure success beyond just revenue
• Avoiding burnout and staying passionate over the long haul
• The role CEL (UB's Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership) played in their growth
• Advice for founders who want to make a difference while making a living

Tune in now and learn how to build a business that does good while doing well.