Month: April 2021

Family Business And Passion For Craft Beer Survives The Coronavirus Pandemic

April 19, 2021April 20, 2021

Owners of the Walt & Whitman Brewing Co. continue to grow the business in early 2021.

By Christine Graf

Whitman Brewing Co. has been named one of the country’s top 10 new breweries by USA Today, an honor that came just months after Hop Culture, a leading craft brewing publication, included the Saratoga Springs craft brewer on its list of the 10 best new breweries of 2020.

“To come from a brewery publication was very flattering recognition for our team. It reaffirms that we are on the right path, and hopefully that we can keep growing. We are humbled and excited by it,” said co-owner Will Crager. “It’s a great affirmation that we are moving in the right direction. We are very fortunate to have a great group of people around us who have a lot of expertise and experience and have helped us to have some great early success in just a year-and-a-half of operating.”

Walt & Whitman Brewing Co. is located at 20 Lake Ave. in the former Saratogian newspaper building which is owned by Saratoga Prime Properties. The Crager family, Philadelphia natives who moved to Saratoga Springs five years ago, chose it as the location. Will and his mother, Kathy, are co-owners and sisters Katie, Jane, and Lily are also involved in operations. Craft beer enthusiast and family patriarch, Bill, works full time in the financial sector.

“We had this vision, and for us it was more about experience and building a space that allowed people to come in and enjoy music and share our love for craft beer,” said Kathy Crager.

Just months after the December 2019 opening, the coronavirus pandemic shut down restaurants and bars. The Crager’s were forced to furlough some staff members. They opened for takeout only. After restaurants and bars were able to reopen with reduced capacity, Walt & Whitman’s spacious interior was well suited for social distancing.

Yvonne Manso Carved Out A Career as A Sales Director In The Construction Industry

April 19, 2021April 20, 2021

Yvonne Manso is a sales director with the D.A. Collins family of companies.
Courtesy D.A. Collins

By Jennifer Farnsworth

It might be that Yvonne Manso has the ability to ensure confidence in her customers when it comes to the quality of the product, because quite simply Manso believes in herself.

As a sales director for D.A. Collins, Manso has spent the past 14 years earning a solid reputation in a historically male dominated industry. Her work ethic and spirit brought her to the forefront of the construction materials industry.

She is originally from Michigan. After high school, Manso served two years in the military and four years in the reserves. She later moved to Las Vegas, working in the hotel industry for 14 years. After meeting her husband, a native of Saratoga County, she found herself moving to the area and in need of a job. She landed a position at D.A. Collins as a sales coordinator.

“The hotel industry is so different and I had no experience in the construction field, but I was lucky enough to find a company that trusted I could learn the business. And I did,” said Manso.

When she first began, she could sometimes sense apprehension when contractors would see a woman show up on a job site. She said she did not let that deter her. In fact, she said it motivated her to learn the ins and outs of the business. Now when she shows up, contractors know they are dealing with a seasoned pro.

Coronavirus Pandemic Curtailed Business For Landscapers, But Busineass Is Rebounding

April 19, 2021April 20, 2021

Craig Monroe, owner of Craig’s Mowing and Landscaping in Ballston Lake.

By Christine Graf

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many offices throughout the country, landscapers who spruce up businesses and homes saw a dip in business.

According to Jessica Marquard, managing member of LARCH Landscape Architecture and Engineering in Saratoga Springs, her company experienced a ten percent decline in gross revenue.

She has clients throughout the state and is working on projects in the Capital Region as well as in Newburgh, Rome, and Syracuse. Her current clients include GE Global Research Center and Bonacio Construction.

According to Craig Monroe, owner of Craig’s Mowing and Landscaping in Ballston Lake, business in 2020 exceeded expectations, and 2021 is on track to be another strong year. Last year was marked by major supply chain issues that continue to plague the industry.

Glens Falls-based Plant Doctor lost half of its commercial clients.

“Most all of my business is commercial—a lot of law offices,” said owner Lanette Akerson. “The lawyers are, by and large, working from home and I lost half of them. Half of them still retain our services even though the offices are half-manned or not manned at all.”

The interior and exterior plant design service company has customers throughout the greater Capital Region and Lake George. But many of Plant Doctor’s previous corporate clients are re-enlisting her services as they transition their staff back into their offices.

Adirondack Trust Branch Near Exit 18 Has Two Drive-Thru Windows, Other Amenities

April 19, 2021April 20, 2021

The new Adirondack Trust branch houses nine full-time retail banking employees, and four additional professionals from commercial banking, lending, insurance and wealth management.
©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

By Andrea Harwood Palmer

The Adirondack Trust Co. opened a new branch at 79 Main St. in Queensbury, near Northway Exit 18.

The branch opened for business on April 5.

The new branch has two drive-thru lanes, parking, a free WiFi hot spot, Saturday hours, a private conference room, and 24-hour ATM access with image capture capabilities.

Munter Enterprises of Middle Grove was the general contractor and Balzer & Tuck Architecture of Saratoga Springs designed the building.

Charles Wait Jr., CEO, said the bank has been seeking a convenient location with more building space for quite some time. The nearby Maple Street branch in Glens Falls did not have a drive-thru. The Maple Street branch is closed. The Bay Road branch will remain open.

“Our desire was to build a bigger and better location that was more convenient for our customers,” said Wait. “We’ll be able to service all of our customers from all of our major business lines, from one convenient location.”

Business Report: Interesting Time For Real Estate Transactions

April 19, 2021April 20, 2021

Joan Taub is a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Saratoga Springs.
©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

By Joan Taub

What’s going on in real estate? That’s the question everyone asks when they learn I’m a Realtor.

People want to know if it’s a buyer’s market, a seller’s market. They want to know what the interest rates are. Are there any “deals”? How long does it take to close? What’s my house worth?

Because no one has an accurate crystal ball, the answers to those questions can change moment to moment. The information provided is always just a “snapshot in time.”

So, what is happening in real estate and, more specifically, what’s happening with real estate in Saratoga County? If you’re a seller, it’s great. If you’re a buyer, it’s a bit less great.

The basic reason is that there is so little inventory, all the buyers are vying for the same place.

Realtors usually price properties based upon similar properties, similar features, similar schools, the competition and the condition. There is a process to determine a price range where a house may sell and where it should be appraised by a bank. Most houses in today’s market have been priced via a method using historic data.

Prime Acreage In Luther Forest Targeted By Scannell Group For Warehouse, R&D Space

April 19, 2021April 20, 2021

By Susan Elise Campbell

A new project in the Luther Forest Technology Campus in inching closer as Scannell Properties awaits approval on a zoning amendment that would allow it to build five structures on the campus’ most desirable acreage.

“Scannell connected with the owners of the tech campus property and started learning about its history and vision to see how we might get involved as a speculative developer,” said Zachary Zweifler, development manager at the Indianapolis-based company.

Job creation from potential is estimated at 2,500, but they may have little to do with microchip production nearby, officials said.

Of the 1,400-plus acres that have been available for new projects since GlobalFoundries opened its doors, Scannell is focusing on 245 cleared acres off Stonebreak Road. There is infrastructure in place and it represents the last remaining brownfield space, according to Zweifler.

The Luther Forest Technology Campus was designed to help establish New York as a leader in the semiconductor industry and is thus zoned for technology use. Scannell’s vision is to “open up the park to additional areas, such as research and development, light manufacturing and warehousing,” Zweifler said. “The long vision is to broaden the scope of the park and this seemed to be the next logical phase of development.”

Gennaro’s Pizza In Saratoga Springs Opens A Second Restaurant Space In Guilderland

April 19, 2021April 20, 2021

Alex Rodriguez, owner of Gennaro’s Pizza Parlor, takes a pizza out of the oven in his Saratoga Springs store. He is going to open a second store in Guilderland.

Gennaro’s Pizza Parlor of Saratoga Springs recently expanded their brand in the Capital Region by opening a second store in Guilderland.

Their current restaurant is at 46 Marion Ave., Saratoga Springs. The new one is at 1704 Western Ave.

Gennaro’s is a family owned and operated, wood-fired pizzeria and Italian restaurant. Gennaro’s serve the classics from margarita-style pizzas to new artisanal pizzas. Gennaro’s also offers an array of Italian-American favorites like chicken parmesan and penne al a vodka.

Owners Alex and Carina Rodriguez have both spent their careers in hospitality. Alex began his career in 1995, owning and operating a neighborhood bar and grill in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. From there, he went on to own, operate and/or partner in nearly 20 restaurants nationwide, including Greenwich Brewing Co., 121 Fulton Street, Sushi Samb and Bocadillo.

Before relocating to the Capital Region, he was the COO of a national hospitality group based in New York City. His passion for food, service and hospitality are his career’s driving force.

Business Report: Long Term Care Strategy

April 19, 2021April 20, 2021

Brian Johnson, director, business development at Advisors Insurance Brokers.
Courtesy Advisors Insurance Brokers

By Brian M. Johnson

When it comes to where and how you live, and what you do with your money, you want the freedom of choice and confidence that you’re making the right decisions. The same is true with your long-term care strategy, helping you set the stage for the future and legacy you have planned.

Long-term care is quite simply assistance with simple everyday tasks, even as simple as eating or getting dressed. The need for care could arise from an accident, illness, cognitive impairment or the aging process. You may never need it. But, the best time to start thinking about it is before the need arises and while you’re still able to take control.

Many Americans work hard, save diligently for retirement, yet fail to address the single biggest risk to their portfolio and families: extended healthcare.

When it comes to long-term care, do not be swayed by common misconceptions such as:

“It won’t happen to me.”

Owner Of J. Reid Menswear Shop Changes Location, Opts For Downtown Glens Falls

April 19, 2021April 20, 2021

Jeffrey Ives is now operating his J. Reid Menswear shop at 166 Glen St.
Andrea Harwood Palmer

by Andrea Harwood Palmer

J. Reid Menswear has moved from its Aviation Mall location to Downtown Glens Falls at 166 Glen Street.

The menswear store, formally known as Jonathan Reid, has rebranded with a new name along with its new location. The store will continue to provide menswear and tuxedo rentals, suits, jackets, shirts, ties, shoes and tailoring services. The store has ancillary items and accessories as well.

“I wanted to return J. Reid Menswear to its original location in Hometown USA,” said owner Jeffrey Ives. “With all the negatives that COVID-19 has brought, I have needed the support of everyone associated with the business community of downtown Glens Falls.”

J. Reid Menswear originally had an office on Glen Street, when former owner Jonathon Segan ran the company, until the mid 2000s. The store has been in operation for 53 years.

It will continue to provide menswear and tuxedo rentals, as it did at its Aviation Road location.

‘Skin Renaissance’ In South Glens Falls Offers A Variety Of Treatments And Products

April 19, 2021April 20, 2021

Shelley Riopelle, owner of Skin Renaissance Spa in South Glens Falls, offers a full menu of skin treatments and modalities, body treatments, facial treatments, foot soaks and waxing.

By Andrea Harwood Palmer

Skin Renaissance Spa opened in early March at 142 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls, across the road from the Hannaford Plaza.

Shelley Riopelle has been a licensed esthetician for over 25 years. Previously, she worked at a spa in Saratoga for 10 years.

When COVID-19 hit and the state ordered businesses to shut their doors, she considered retiring. After time passed and businesses started to reopen, Riopelle realized she missed the work and wanted to get back into it.

“I decided that instead of going back to work for someone else, I would open my own spa,” said Riopelle. “Pandemic or not, I wanted to give it a go and see it where it takes me.”

The spa offers a full menu of skin treatments and modalities, body treatments, facial treatments, foot soaks and waxing following all Covid-19 protocols.