BNSME Beat
The Buffalo Niagara Sales & Marketing Executives presents its podcast, BNSME Beat hosted by Greg Hennessey. BNSME Beat features discussions with local experts in business, sales and marketing. New episodes are available at 9:00 AM EST every second Wednesday of the month.
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Amanda Popovski - Entrepreneurship and Marketing for Women
06/11/2025
Amanda Popovski - Entrepreneurship and Marketing for Women
Amanda Popovski is a life and business coach for women entrepreneurs. She's helped women business owners around the world shed the heartbreaking weight of overthinking and step into their true power by changing their relationship with, and finally taking, brave action– so they can run their business (and life!) like a badass. Amanda has been featured on numerous podcasts and has been invited to speak on topics like Overcoming Overwhelm, Breaking Free from Procrastination, and Taking Brave Action the Aligned Way, all with a unique focus on how ambitious women work and live. From her experiences as a digital marketer and technical implementation manager to her lifestyle choices as a digital minimalist and holistic eater, Amanda offers a unique approach on business, marketing, mindset and manifestation, all wrapped up in accountability and cheerleader positivity. When she's not co-creating massive goals with her clients or investing in her own personal development, Amanda can be found eating her way through Buffalo's vibrant restaurant scene with her partner, texting her friends with way too many emojis, or staying in all day to read a great book. You can find Amanda at
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Joe DiLeo - Making Memories That Last Forever Foundation
05/14/2025
Joe DiLeo - Making Memories That Last Forever Foundation
Joe L. DiLeo is dedicated to providing clients with the professional, personalized attention necessary to help them achieve their financial goals—along with ongoing service as their needs evolve. As the General Agent with Vision Financial Group, Joe has over 34 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry. He and his team specialize in working with professionals, business owners, and individuals to deliver tailored solutions in life insurance, annuities, and investment products through MML Investors Services. Joe’s career includes numerous accolades and leadership roles. At Mutual of New York (MONY), he earned distinctions including President’s Council, Top Club (2004), and the prestigious Presidents’ Cup (2003) for agency excellence. He is a long-standing member of the industry’s Million Dollar Round Table and remains active with both the national and local Association of Life Underwriters. From 2016–2017, Joe served as President of MassMutual’s General Agent Association (GAX). In recognition of his professional excellence, he was named to Business First’s “40 Under 40” in 2016 and the Buffalo 612’ C-Level Executives. He is also a proud graduate of the 2007 class of Leadership Buffalo. Vision Financial Group was nominated as one of Business First’s Best Places to Work for five consecutive years from 2012 to 2016. A passionate community advocate, Joe founded his own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Making Memories That Last Forever, in 2020. The foundation provides resources to families of children battling cancer, life-threatening conditions, or living with disabilities, empowering them to create joyful, lasting experiences. Working in partnership with hospitals and healthcare systems in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, the foundation identifies children and families in need of meaningful moments. In 2024, Joe received the MassMutual Community Service Gold Award for his leadership and volunteerism through this organization. Joe has chaired the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s “Light the Night” walk in both 2022 and 2023. He also volunteers with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, the Leaf Bud Program, and serves on the Advisory Board of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Earlier in his career, he received the Manus Christi Award for Outstanding Youth Leadership (1985) and a Certificate of Merit from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. Joe has also served as President of the St. Margaret’s Catholic Youth Organization and President of the Western New York General Agents and Managers Association (GAMA) in 1998. He is currently affiliated with Per Niente Club of Buffalo and the Italian Cultural Center of Buffalo. Under Joe’s leadership, Vision Financial Group has remained deeply committed to community engagement. The firm received the MassMutual Community Service Award in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 for its sustained impact and service across the Western New York region. Joe and his wife, Rosemary, live in Williamsville, New York, and are the proud parents of four children—Joseph, Marc, Alexandra, and Giuliana—and four grandchildren.
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Kevin Nephew - Effective Methods of Leadership
04/09/2025
Kevin Nephew - Effective Methods of Leadership
Kevin Nephew was named President and CEO of Seneca Gaming Corporation in October 2020, becoming the first member of the Seneca Nation to lead the company. He oversees the operation and performance of Seneca Gaming Corporation’s three casino properties – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY; Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca, NY; and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo – which collectively employ more than 3,000 workers and attract millions of visitors each year. Kevin joined Seneca Gaming Corporation in 2014. He participated in the Executive Leadership Program and worked in Finance and was promoted to Vice President of Organization Improvement & Development, where he successfully developed and launched a company-wide Continuous Improvement program, focusing on process improvement and delivering improved customer service and profitability across the organization. He previously served as Executive Director of Continuous Improvement and Director of Budget and Financial Analysis. Prior to joining Seneca Gaming Corporation, Kevin spent 22 years in a series of Finance positions with New York State, including 15 years as Director of Financial Administration for the New York State Office of Technology, as well as roles with the New York State Department of Tax and Finance and the New York State Division of Budget. An enrolled member of the Seneca Nation’s Wolf Clan, Kevin is a graduate of Bucknell University and earned his MBA from Columbia University. He holds Kaizen training certification in Continuous Improvement and Lean Six Sigma Management Certification.
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Peter Cimino - IT, Marketing and Drone Photography
03/12/2025
Peter Cimino - IT, Marketing and Drone Photography
Peter Cimino is a Buffalo native with a lifelong passion for technology, creativity, and helping others succeed. With over 25 years of experience across IT, marketing, and real estate technology, Peter has built a career around making complex things simple—and fun—for the people he works with. Today, Peter works at CoreLogic as a Senior Professional in Client Delivery, helping real estate professionals across the country get up and running with the tools they need to grow their businesses. Before that, he spent nearly four years leading the marketing and technology efforts at WNY Metro Roberts Realty, producing hundreds of videos, teaching tech and marketing classes, and helping expand the company to new locations. Peter is also an FAA Certified Drone Pilot, with over 1200 drone videos under his belt. His work has even been featured on national TV, including Food Network and NBC’s The Voice and NBC's Nightly News. Whether he’s capturing aerial footage of Buffalo’s skyline or launching a new tech solution, Peter is always looking for ways to shine a light on the best his hometown has to offer.
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John Crawford - Junior Achievement of WNY
02/12/2025
John Crawford - Junior Achievement of WNY
John Crawford’s career has been dedicated to the wellbeing of the entire Western New York Community through leadership in not-for-profit marketing and communications, development, constituent relations, and program advancement. Currently, John is the Executive Director of Junior Achievement of WNY where he helps make community connections for improved service impact, administration, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment. Prior to joining Junior Achievement, John served as Operations Director at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Buffalo providing life changing services to those most in need. John also served as Vice President of College Relations at Medaille College for ten years as well as director of development at both the University of Buffalo and the American Red Cross.
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Don Papaj - Marketing with Variable Data
01/08/2025
Don Papaj - Marketing with Variable Data
Don Papaj spent his entire professional career with leading-edge organizations within the marketing communications industry. While working for a Fortune 500 firm, Don experienced and observed the incredible shift in database, online, and print marketing technologies taking place in the late ‘90’s and early 2000’s. He envisioned blending these new technologies with great service and expertise to create a better, faster and less expensive marketing services company, unlike any company before it. The vision became a reality in 2004 – businesses and organizations quickly began to rely on Marketing Tech to enhance their marketing efforts with better methods and lower costs. By listening to their clientele and keeping a keen pulse on the industry, Marketing Tech experienced the good fortune of continued growth since the day they started. Growth that continues to this day. Marketing Tech, which is celebrating its 20th year after 3 moves and 4 expansions within the historic Tri-Main Center in Buffalo NY, now operates one of the most advanced print, direct mail, and digital marketing companies in the industry. Their blend of professionals, technology and service has formulated a true one-stop marketing services organization.
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Michaela LaJoie - The Art of Hospitality Sales
12/11/2024
Michaela LaJoie - The Art of Hospitality Sales
Michaela LaJoie is a talented hospitality industry leader with a proven track record in sales, event management, revenue optimization, and team leadership. As the Director of Sales & Marketing at The Westin Buffalo, she oversees a diverse team across sales, catering, and reservations, driving innovative strategies to maximize hotel revenue and profitability. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Michaela has cultivated her expertise through roles at prestigious brands such as The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott. Her leadership style and strategic approach have consistently delivered exceptional results. As a "Boomerang Buffalonian,” Michaela currently lives in Amherst, New York, with her husband and two young boys. She enjoys camping, traveling, wine tasting, and spending quality time with her large extended family. Passionate about community engagement, she is the Immediate Past President of Buffalo Niagara Sales & Marketing Executives and currently serves as the Vice President of Programming. Michaela earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and holds certifications in hotel revenue management and sales excellence.
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Craig Turner - Incorporating AI in Chambers of Commerce and Business
11/13/2024
Craig Turner - Incorporating AI in Chambers of Commerce and Business
This month’s guest on the ninth episode of BNSME Beat is Craig W. Turner, the visionary founder and president of Momentum – The Business Growth Agency. We will be discussing “Incorporating AI in Chambers of Commerce”. A trailblazer in the field of AI, Craig is a sought-after consultant, providing cutting-edge AI training and solutions to chambers and small businesses. His expertise in AI has made him a prominent speaker on the subject, captivating audiences with eye-opening, but practical, education and insights. Momentum excels at driving ROI for companies through their innovative approach to chamber of commerce memberships and sponsorships. Additionally, the agency offers top-tier consulting services, ambassador training, and comprehensive member benefit programs for chambers. Before launching Momentum, Craig spent eight years with the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce, where he led government affairs and business development. Currently, Craig chairs the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce board of directors (2024-25) and also the NUSA’s Advocacy Committee. Embodying the ethos of "I’m not just the president, I’m also a client," Momentum is an active member in chambers of commerce across Western and Central New York, Southern Ontario and Pittsburgh.
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Tricia Barrett - Climbing the Ladder to Success
10/09/2024
Tricia Barrett - Climbing the Ladder to Success
This month’s guest on the eighth episode of BNSME Beat is the CEO of Crowley Webb, Tricia Barrett. The discussion revolved around the 2024 CEO Roundtable topic: “Climbing the Ladder to Success”. Tricia Barrett is the CEO of Crowley Webb, a full-service advertising agency of 130+ headquartered in downtown Buffalo. In addition, Tricia serves as president of Praxis Communications, Crowley Webb’s patient recruitment division that assists in finding participants for clinical trials on behalf of pharmaceutical companies. Tricia currently serves as vice chair of the board for Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute as well as the board of directors for United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and Buffalo Prep.
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Stephen Neuss - The Winning Spirit
09/11/2024
Stephen Neuss - The Winning Spirit
This month’s guest on the seventh episode of BNSME Beat is Director of Sales at PCA Techology Group, Stephen Neuss. We will be discussing “The Winning Spirt”. With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, Steve has served as the Director of Sales at PCA Technology Group. His role involves steering a dynamic sales and marketing team dedicated to providing exceptional value throughout their clients’ experiences. His expertise spans managed services, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and telecommunications. As a customer-centric leader, Steve has a solid track record of fostering brand growth and offering solutions that address customer challenges. Driven by a passion for transformative technology, Steve is committed to making a positive impact on lives through innovation.
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Francine Brooks - Change in the Landscape of Business
08/14/2024
Francine Brooks - Change in the Landscape of Business
Francine Brooks - Senior Business Development Consultant Francine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sr. George Williams University in Montreal, Canada, and is a graduate and alumnus of the “Core” and “Advanced” programs offered through the School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) at the University at Buffalo. Francine has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the “Small Business of the Year Award” from the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, “Best Places to Work” in Western New York, the “Who’s Who among Executive Women” award, the University at Buffalo School of Management’s Alumni Achievement Award in Entrepreneurship, and she was installed into the BNSME Hall of Fame in 2016. Francine is an avid traveler, reader, and golfer, and spends as much time as possible with her twin granddaughters in Brooklyn.
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Jill Pawlik - How to Succeed with Strategic Marketing
07/10/2024
Jill Pawlik - How to Succeed with Strategic Marketing
Jill Pawlik owns Jill Pawlik Strategic Marketing, a boutique firm focused on helping small businesses and non-profits. She is a seven-time award-winning communications and marketing professional with 25+ years of experience leading successful communications, marketing, branding, and public relations work for diverse organizations across Western New York, including State Farm, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Uniland Development, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and BestSelf Behavioral Health. She serves on the board of the Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives, is a past president, and chairs its annual Executive of the Year/Elite Sales and Marketing Awards Gala. She also mentors juniors and seniors in the Academy of Finance at Lancaster High School, helping them to develop the soft skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. Mrs. Pawlik owns two lakefront rental properties in the Finger Lakes and manages the marketing and customer communications for both and has earned AirBnB SuperHost status at each home. Her side passion is wine. She holds a Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 1 certification and aspires to provide marketing services to vineyards and wineries. Eventually, she also will learn every aspect of grape growing, harvesting and wine making, and work in a Finger Lakes tasting room.
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Lindsay Amico - Managing Your Mental Health in the Workplace
06/12/2024
Lindsay Amico - Managing Your Mental Health in the Workplace
This month’s guest on the fourth episode of BNSME Beat is Mindset Coach Lindsay Amico. We will be discussing the importance of managing your mental health in the workplace. Lindsay’s business, Picture Perfect Mind, focuses specifically on helping people to feel better on a day to day basis with mindfulness, motivational, and thought management tools. With an approach that goes beyond stress reduction, Lindsay provides people with the tools to release limiting beliefs and connect to their true purpose. Lindsay also facilitates mindfulness and self-development workshops for patients, caregivers, and employees at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her professional profile, which includes coaching certifications from the Health Coach Institute and the Spirit Junkies Level 2 training with her mentor, Gabrielle Bernstein, allows Lindsay to help her clients transform themselves through thought work, meditation, mindfulness and self-love practices. She works directly with businesses, nonprofits, and health-care focused organizations to identify their specific goals and customize thought management and mindfulness workshops.
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Mike Belin - Listening is a salesperson's secret weapon.
05/08/2024
Mike Belin - Listening is a salesperson's secret weapon.
The power of listening takes center stage on BNSME Beat! This month's episode features Mike Belin discussing why it's crucial for sales success. Mike joined Nacre Consulting in 2019 as an accomplished sales leader with more than 20 years of experience after a successful career in the advertising and digital & multimedia marketing industry. As an Executive Growth Strategist with Nacre, Mike works with a diverse group of businesses focused on growing their top-line revenue, improving sales processes, and creating a structure of sustainable growth. Mike is a passionate and driven leader whose client’s industries include SaaS, office technology, safety equipment, manufacturing, construction, and distribution. Mike is a recipient of multiple awards for sales management and team performance delivering sustainable revenue gains through expertise in leadership development and coaching sales professionals to success. With his unique background as a former Minor League Baseball Umpire, Mike brings a high level of patience, determination, and focus to his coaching while helping C-Suite business leaders navigate the challenging nuances of sales operations. Mike currently serves as a Board of Director and Membership Committee Member for BNSME. Mike is also a passionate sports fan, but we’re not going to talk about his favorite football team. He is also a self-proclaimed “food and wine enthusiast” who enjoys gathering with family and friends around the dinner table and the Summer patio. Mike and his wife, Chris, reside in East Amherst, New York, with their two beautiful children
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John Persons - Corporate Participation in the Community
04/10/2024
John Persons - Corporate Participation in the Community
John Persons, the CEO of Northeast Grocery Inc. (NGI), which is the parent company of Tops Friendly Markets and Price Chopper/Market 32, joined BNSME Host Greg Hennessey for a discussion on Business’ responsibility/participation in the community. We talked about the many ways in which Tops has been active in the community and how their response to the May 14 tragedy on the East Side of Buffalo has changed their approach in that community. John began his career as a cart clerk for Tops in 1984. Throughout his 40-year tenure at Tops, his responsibilities have ranged from Store Operations to Sales & Marketing, Real Estate, and Information Technology, culminating in his appointment as President of Tops in 2015, and then ultimately CEO of Northeast Grocery earlier this year. Committed to supporting the company's associates and the communities around the stores, John also serves on the board of Western New York not-for-profits, including recently as Board Chair of The Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, The Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and Kaleida Health. A native of Western New York, he holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo, residing in Clarence, NY, with his wife, Amy, and their four children.
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Lindsey Zajac - Risk Taking in Business
03/13/2024
Lindsey Zajac - Risk Taking in Business
BNSME Beat, where the worlds of sales and marketing collide, is a podcast brought to you by the Buffalo-Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives. This month’s guest on this inaugural episode of BNSME Beat is Lindsey A. Zajac. Lindsey Zajac is the Owner and CEO of Career Partners International, Buffalo Niagara (CPIBN). In this role, Lindsey leverages her experience in Human Resources and her passion for helping people to provide world-class talent solutions. Career Partners International prides itself in delivering effective services to recruit, retain, coach and transition talent. Prior to joining CPIBN in 2022, Lindsey spent fifteen years in corporate Human Resources roles in fast-paced organizations, including PepsiCo, Eaton Corporation, Saab Sensis, and Next Jump. For the past five years Lindsey served as a Principal with Ahern, Murphy & Associates, a leadership development firm based out of Syracuse, NY. Training and development, executive coaching, talent management and strategic planning are Lindsey’s areas of expertise. Lindsey obtained an Advanced Coaching Certification in Women’s Leadership as well as an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. She graduated cum laude from Providence College where she earned a BA in Political Science and a Minor in Women’s Studies. Lindsey proudly serves as the immediate past President of the Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives (BNSME) where she has been a member since 2019. Lindsey resides in Williamsville with her husband John, children, Delaina, and Drew, and their family dog, Theo.
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