Brad Segal and Raul Nunez Co-owners, Corks on Columbus Brad (left) and Raul You are brothers-in-law. Tell us about how you decided to go into business together. Brad: Raul and I were both retired and initially wanted to stop working. Our wives — we married sisters...
Rebecca Carney Cooks’ World You purchased Cooks’ World after working there for several years. What inspired you to take on this venture? I would have to say there were many things that contributed to inspiring me to take on this adventure. First and foremost was...
Elizabeth Rounds Owner, Elizabeth’s Shoes & Accessories You’ve been in business for almost 40 years. How do you account for your longevity? I started in the Metrocenter in downtown Binghamton in 1984. I was only 24 years old. For the first 10 years, things...
Suzanna Hermans Co-owner, Oblong Books Where did the name “Oblong” come from? It’s a long-lost regional name. Historically, New York and Connecticut were trying to figure out where the border between the two states was going to be. They each did a survey, and the...
Mark and Jack Yonally B. Lodge & Company Mark (left) and Jack Yonally (right) B. Lodge opened its doors in 1867. As Albany’s oldest operating retail store, what changes have you seen since you took over the business in 1995? Mark: The store has experienced a lot...
Andrew Zalewski Rock & Snow Tell us about the history of Rock & Snow since its opening in 1970. Rock & Snow was opened in April 1970 by Dick Williams with help from a small circle of friends. Rock climbing and Nordic skiing was the inspiration for the name...
Marilla Country Store Sandy Grunzweig The Marilla Country Store is over 170 years old. How has it stood the test of time? Tell us about your family’s involvement. We are 172 years old this year. The store was established in 1851. It was here before the town of Marilla...
Ray Goodman Trash and Vaudeville Trash and Vaudeville has in business since 1975. Tell us about your roots and how you became an icon of the punk rock community. When I was a young kid in grammar school, I really liked fashion. I liked music, but I LOVED rock ’n’...
Doug Sharp Owner, RV&E – Fairport and Canandaigua Your dad, Howard, opened RV&E in 1972. Tell us about your family business history and how the industry has changed since then. He started fresh out of high school. At the time, he worked at a lawn and garden...