Saratoga Business Journal

A New Concession Stand At Saratoga Lake Serves Up ‘Ugly’ Comfort Food Selections

July 16, 2024

Ugly Ice Cream operates out of this pavilion, which is owned by the Town of Stillwater, at Brown’s Beach on Saratoga Lake.
Courtesy of Ugly Ice Cream

By Jill Nagy

Those who enjoy those lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer often indulge in a cooling dip in the water followed by a delectable frozen treat.

That’s exactly what visitors to Brown’s Beach on Saratoga Lake can enjoy. Following a swim they can order their choice of ice cream … even if it’s ugly.

Ugly Ice Cream, a new concession stand that will operate through the summer, is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Ariel Pagan and brothers Joe and John Starr.

The name comes from Pagan’s two other businesses, the Ugly Rooster Cafes, one located in Malta and the other in Mechanicville. Pagan, a culinary school graduate and experienced pastry chef, opened the first Ugly Rooster in 2009 and expanded later with the second location.

The Starr brothers are semi-retired home builders. They founded StarrBuilt Custom Homes in 2005 and now focus on speciality projects through StarrBuilt Residential Installation as well as real estate.

The Wild Horse Is Set To Become Important Addition To Caroline Street Leisure Scene

July 16, 2024

The former Dango’s on Caroline Street has been completely renovated and renamed The Wild Horse, a tavern that will vastly improve the leisure scene in Saratoga Springs.
Courtesy of The Wild Horse

Staff Report

Coinciding with the start of the 2024 summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course, a horse-themed tavern has opened in the Spa City.

The Wild Horse, so named because The Rolling Stones’ classic “Wild Horses” is one of owner Lucas White’s favorite songs, opened recently in the former Dango’s on Caroline Street.

According to a press release, “It was important to Lucas and (Managing Partner) Kevin (Decker) that the name include a music reference, given the focus on live music at the restaurant. It was also important to refer to the local horse racing scene.”

White was interested in purchasing Dango’s for years. He grew up in Loudonville where he attended Albany Academy and later Duke University. He now lives in Boston where he is a partner in an international asset management firm. His ties to the area remain strong, however, since his parents, aunt and uncle live in the Albany area. He is also a frequent visitor to Saratoga during track season.

Decker, the general manager at Siro’s and director of sales for a brokerage in Boston, came on board after a series of discussions with White in which he was inspired by White’s enthusiasm and vision for the property. Decker lives locally in Round Lake.

The duo purchased the building in September 2023 and have finished a complete rehabilitation of all three floors. A total of $250,000 in capital improvements have gone into the kitchen, which was moved from the first to the second floor.

MLB Construction Services Continues Its Long Tradition Of Delivering Quality Projects

July 16, 2024

MLB Construction Services is in the midst of an $80 million renovation and expansion project at Albany International Airport.
Courtesy of MLB Construction Services

By Rod Bacon

A 76-year-old construction firm who’s principals fully intend that it continue well beyond the 100-year mark is experiencing a very busy summer building season.

Malta-based MLB Construction Services has 10 large projects underway in the region.

According to company President Jim Dawsey, the largest is an $80 million renovation and expansion of the Albany International Airport, which is scheduled for completion in September 2025. The company is doing the demolition, micropiles, concrete, the new bridge between the parking garage and the terminal, and raising the third floor on part of the terminal next to the TSA area. In addition they are installing new finishes on the inside of the terminal, new glass, and a new front on the existing terminal.

Project managers on this job are Jeff Lino and Craig Dittl.

The company is also finishing a job that has to be completed by September 2024 at the Olana Historic Site in Hudson. Olana was the 19th century home, studio and designed landscape of Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), his wife Isabel and their four children.

Saratoga County Builders Join Forces On New Community In The Town Of Halfmoon

July 16, 2024

This is one of eight home designs Abele Builders is constructing at Juniper Ridge for discerning empty nesters.
Courtesy of Abele Builders

By Rod Bacon

Two highly respected Saratoga County builders, Abele Builders, Inc., and Belmonte Builders, have teamed up to create a charming, family-oriented community in Halfmoon. Phase One of Juniper Ridge, a 201-lot development, is well underway.

Chris Abele, president of Clifton Park-based Abele Builders, Inc., envisions Juniper Ridge as an ideal spot for both families and empty-nesters. For Phase I, Abele Builders is constructing homeson the exterior lots, while Belmonte Builders is building on the 35 interior lots.

“I have had a long-standing relationship with Pete Belmonte over the years,” said Abele. “When my brother and I decided to partner with a complementary, high-end builder, Pete was a natural choice. Together, we can appeal to both markets. At Abele, we offer more of an empty nest product and Belmonte Builders offers more options for families.”

“Chris and I have been good friends for a while, and we have exchanged property before, so this is not the first time we’ve worked together,” said Belmonte. “However, it is the first time we’ve built simultaneously in the same neighborhood. It’s going exceptionally well. We work well together.”

Munter Enterprises Continues To Exceed Expectations On A Wide Variety Of Projects

July 16, 2024

A Munter Enterprises crew uses a crane to move materials at the Waters Edge project.
Courtesy of Munter Enterprises

Staff Writer

Munter Enterprises, based in Middle Grove, is a leading family-owned general contractor offering commercial, industrial, design-build, and project delivery services throughout the Capital Region.

Several large commercial and industrial projects are underway and progressing toward completion this year. One notable project is for Equal Vision Records, an independent record label based in Albany, New York, and MerchNow, their sister company, which produces wearables and promotional branded merchandise for bands and artists.

The recently purchased building is in Albany’s South End at 400 South Pearl St., where Munter Enterprises is implementing improvements to bring the building into code compliance for storage and racking requirements. The project includes interior modifications to the production and warehouse areas, as well as minor renovations of the office space. A unique aspect of the project is the addition of a 20×40 boiler room designed to house modern steam boilers essential for the production of vinyl records, which have seen a resurgence in popularity over the last decade.

“I may be dating myself but I didn’t realize how the ‘record’ industry has rebounded and its actually very cool to understand what goes into to physically making a vinyl album,” said Michael Munter, vice president of Munter Enterprises.

“On a larger scale, we’re nearing the finish line on the Soleno project. They’ll be in full production by late August,” said Munter.

The Soleno project, a new 50,000-square-foot manufacturing building on a 22-acre site in the W.J. Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs, is the first U.S. facility for the Canadian manufacturer of drainage pipes designed for storm water infrastructure management. According to a Soleno spokesperson, the new facility will provide 35-50 new jobs when in full production.

Elements At Saratoga Lake Offers Its Tenants Luxury Living In A Rural Environment

July 16, 2024

Mechanicville-based Blue Iron Development has almost completed Phase Two of Elements at Saratoga Lake, a 260-unit luxury apartment community when it reaches full build-out.
Courtesy of Blue Iron Development

By Christine Graf

Elements at Saratoga Lake is nearing completion of its second phase of construction. Located at 1 Forest Ridge Blvd. in Saratoga Springs, the 26-building complex is situated on 55 acres, just a short drive away from Saratoga Lake and Global Foundries.

Blue Iron Development, a full-service real estate development company based in Mechanicville, acquired land and development rights for the townhome project for $5 million in 2021. They broke ground in July 2022, and upon completion of phase two, Elements at Saratoga Lake will have a total of 260 luxury apartments available for rent. Construction is expected to wrap up in early fall.

There are six different floor plans from which to choose for the energy efficient one- and two-bedroom units. Although just one model includes an attached garage, separate garages and on-site storage units are available for rent.

Rents start at around $2,000, a price that includes water, sewer, trash, internet and cable. All apartments feature high-end finishes, and residents have access to numerous amenities including a 24/7 fitness center, indoor heated lap pool, outdoor pool (under construction), 24/7 indoor basketball/pickleball court, golf simulator, yoga studio, pool table, and fire pits. The clubhouse also features an outdoor three-season space with televisions and a fireplace

Area Copier/Printer Retailers Adapt To The Digital Age With Cutting-Edge Technology

July 16, 2024

Tim Seeley Jr now operates Seeley Office Systems, which was founded by his parents.
Courtesy of Seeley Office Systems

By Paul Post

The Digital Age has greatly reduced the need for thick, costly paper documents such as annual reports and quarterly financial statements, which can be delivered electronically.

And there’s much less need for office copying because many people work from home following the COVID pandemic.

But two well-known local printing companies continue to thrive by adapting, diversifying and renewing efforts to provide high-quality customer service with cutting-edge products and equipment.

“In the past people would share a large printer in the office. Now their print needs are at home where you don’t have ready access to the office printer,” said Rick Gallup, owner-president-founder of Hudson Falls-based Document Solutions of the North Country. “What’s new and exciting there is the changes in inkjet technology. Years ago an inkjet printer was something you put in your home, it was slow and kind of expensive to operate. Now the newer ones have the ability to do things that most typical laser-type office copiers can do in terms of speed — 40 to 50 pages per minute or more — and reliability.”

“They’re also more affordable because there’s very few parts,” he said. “Typical laser printers have components like drums, fusers and transfer belts while an inkjet printer doesn’t. They have just ink. So they tend to be more reliable than a laser device. We’re really excited about that product and think it’s going to do well for us.”

“A home-based printer is more efficient and cost effective,” Gallup said. “These devices connect to the cloud, which is obviously important because when working from home you use the cloud for everything.”

Founded almost 30 years ago, Document Solutions is the area’s largest Xerox dealer with clients ranging from small business to large manufacturers, non-profits and school districts. For many years it dealt strictly in Xerox before expanding several years ago to include Epson, which makes the new-style inkjet printers.

“We sell supplies for virtually any brand of printer whether you buy it from us or not,” Gallup said.

Recently, the firm started a second related business, Express Pack N Ship, at the same location (3316 Route 4, Hudson Falls) in an effort to provide a more complete line of services to meet customers’ needs.

Business Report: Use AI To Be More Productive

July 16, 2024

Sara Mannix, president and CEO of Mannix Marketing.
Courtesy Mannix Marketing

By Sara Mannix

I belong to a group of leaders who are utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) every day to make their work more effective and more efficient in an ethically responsible way. We have used AI to create flyers, design presentations, write software code, debug code, and even create movies. And at Mannix Marketing we have built CustomGPTs that perform functions based on our own knowledge bases and rules, and we have discussed and drawn up guidelines about the ethical use of AI.

We have reached the point where if you aren’t using AI in your work, then you are falling behind your competitors who have mastered using the latest breakthrough technology.

The good news is that it isn’t hard to get started and become familiar with some AI tools that can make your life easier. One of the simplest ways to get started with AI is to use ChatGPT.com, a tool that can provide detailed answers in a conversation-like format (its responses build upon the questions and answers that precede them, so no need to start from scratch as a conversation is in progress, or even if you need to come back to it). Here are a few simple ways I have used ChatGPT or other AI tools to help you think about how you can use them.

The first way most people use ChatGPT is to help them with their writing. We caution our clients not to use ChatGPT to write their website content as it is usually too generic to rank well in search engines. Instead, we recommend that you use ChatGPT to edit and refine content and brainstorm content ideas. I’ve used AI to refresh articles, inject new ideas, rewrite social media posts, and make content more concise, helping to ensure it’s engaging and up-to-date.

This past week, I had a list of client testimonials that I wanted to organize by industry. I created a list of top-level categories and asked ChatGPT to come up with subcategories for each based on my client list. Then, I asked ChatGPT to organize the client testimonials by category and subcategories. This took less than 10 minutes of back and forth with ChatGPT, and it had properly organized 200 testimonials. If done by hand, this would have taken at least three hours.

Area Travel Advisors Seeing More Interest In Complete Service Among Senior Demographic

July 16, 2024

Kat Major (left) and Kathy Deyoe, travel advisors at Playbill Travel in Saratoga Springs.
Saratoga Business Journal

By Christine Graf

Americans are traveling in record numbers, with the United States aviation industry reporting that 2023 was its busiest year ever. Local travel advisors expect 2024 to be another banner year for travel, particularly among the age 50-plus demographic.

“The baby boomer demographic is traveling a lot—people in their 60s and 70s who are worried they might not be able to travel once they are in their 80s,” said Ed Plog, president of Playbill Travel in Saratoga Springs.

Plog, a travel advisor with five decades of experience, said business is booming at his agency.

“Last year was one of the best years ever because there was a lot of pent up demand. That demand has spilled over into 2024, and 2025 bookings look good,” he noted.

According to Plog, the majority of his clients opt for customized itineraries, with Europe being the most popular destination.

“The type of travel for my business has definitely changed in that it’s more involved, more customized, and more upscale than it was in the past,” he said.” We put these trips together piece by piece to fit with a person’s budget. And because we belong to a consortia, we have contacts all over the world. I have someone locally on the ground who can help me put a trip together.”

Volunteer Senior Citizens Contribute To The Efforts Of Non-Profit Organizations

July 16, 2024

Franklin Community Center’s Meg Monthie stands by the sign directing clients to services.
Saratoga Business Journal

By Christine Graf

Volunteering is vital to the economy, the estimated economic value of volunteer work in America exceeding $120 billion. With volunteer rates and hours on a steady decline for the past 20 years, local non-profits are relying more than ever on the 50-plus demographic.

The Franklin Community Center in Saratoga Springs is a local agency that relies on volunteers, utilizing them in a variety of ways. Each year, the center’s programs and services positively impact over 12,000 individuals. Core to its mission are the Franklin Free Store Donation Center, a food pantry, and Project Lift, an after-school program focused on bolstering self-esteem for children in grades 1-5. The center also operates Franklin Community Manor which has 17 single-occupancy efficiency apartments for low-income adults.

“We are a family services organization,” said Meg Monthie, operations and volunteer coordinator. “We also do referrals, so anything we can’t provide, we refer out to someone else in the area.”

According to Monthie, the center has a large contingent of dedicated volunteers, the majority of whom are in the 50-plus demographic. Some of them work in the Franklin Free Store, sorting donations and assisting customers on shopping days.

Located at 101 Washington Street, the store is open Wednesday-Friday from 9a.m.-12 p.m. Donations are accepted on Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment only. Clothing, household goods, toys, games, and small baby items are accepted. All items are offered free of charge, but the store does have a two-bag limit.

“We have things like dishes, sheets, towels—basically anything you can think of to start up apartment,” said Monthie, noting that they do not accept furniture.