Interviews by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
“I’m always satisfied when my business can provide a nice, clean, quiet and affordable room to our customers. Seeing a happy customer, who finds value in their stay, makes the effort worthwhile.”
— Robert M. Taylor, Owner, All Seasons Inn, Scriba/Oswego
“I am most proud of my organization for the involvement in our local communities. From Oswego to Pulaski to Watertown and beyond, we have agents and staff who are dedicated to making their communities a brighter place. Beyond our community outreach efforts, we love that we get to serve our communities by bringing a relational approach rather than a transactional approach to real estate sales. When working with our team, we love that our clients consider us their forever agency. Our relationships go far beyond the typical lifecycle of a real estate transaction.”
— Dana Decker, Broker and owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CNY Realty, Oswego
“Without a doubt, the people at Bonadio are what I’m most proud of. The growth and success of our firm over the past 45 years is a testament to the hard work and commitment of every single employee. And despite the tremendous growth we’ve seen, we’ve remained true to our values and enhanced our culture. Every day, I see the dedication and care our people bring, not just to their client work, but to creating a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. I feel proud and lucky to be surrounded by some of the most intelligent, innovative and dedicated professionals in the accounting and business advisory industry.”
— Todd Klaben, Central New York regional managing partner, The Bonadio Group, Syracuse/Utica
“I think what I am most proud of is that in 1987 I was an industry pioneer in the transition from a commission based-business to a fee-based business. I changed my business model completely because I always wanted to be on the side of my clients. It was a difficult transition because I got a lot of push back from colleagues and now the business model for many people in the industry is exactly what I built my business upon being a registered investment company with charging fees for services.”
— Cynthia Scott, Financial adviser, owner of OMC Financial in De Witt
“I am most proud of being able to develop with my children in my hometown. Oswego is a fantastic small city and it’s becoming more beautiful every year! I enjoy creating new spaces and adding to its vibrancy.”
— Tony Pauldine, Owner, Anthony M. Pauldine General Contractor, Inc., Curtis Manor, Gosek Electric, Oswego Rental Properties, Oswego
“I feel proudest of the team we have working here: our employees and how hard they work and how dedicated they are.”
— John Sharkey, IV, President Universal Metal Works, Fulton
“I plan on retiring before the end of the year. It has been a great deal of fun and pleasure to have worked with my clients doing accounting, payrolls and tax returns, some for over 40 years. Many have become my friends.”
— Bill Symons, Tax preparer at Canale Insurance & Accounting LLC, Oswego
“We are a third-generation business, locally owned since 1930.”
— John M. Henry, Owner Mitchell’s Speedway Press, Oswego
“I am most proud of my agents that work so hard in this very competitive business. They have made Century 21 Galloway Realty the No. 1 Century 21 office in New York state. They spend so many hours helping people realize their dream of home ownership.”
— William Galloway, Broker and owner Century 21 Galloway Realty, Oswego
“I have 38 years of helping my clients accomplish their financial goals, like paying for weddings and sending their children to college without incurring huge student loan debts and planning and saving to fund a successful retirement period. I’ve really enjoyed the ride working with my clients.”
— Randy L. Zeigler, Certified private wealth adviser, certified financial planner, chartered financial consultant and private wealth adviser, Ameriprise Financial Services, Oswego
“I am particularly proud of the work and support we offer for economic development in Oswego County. When I took this position, I was eager for the opportunity to be a part of the team that contributes positively to our growing county. Our team is committed to further developing the county into a community-rich area with abundant opportunities. Recently, we were awarded a $2.5 million grant for our industrial park that will allow us to build the infrastructure needed to prepare shovel- ready sites that will attract advanced manufacturing and semiconductor supply chain businesses.”
— Alexandra Fitzpatrick, Marketing & communications manager at Operation Oswego County, Oswego
“I am most proud of our school’s focus on a foundation that is built on the understanding of faith in Jesus. I am proud that we are a school which believes in promoting excellent academics while also prioritizing and teaching our young students to serve their community and to grow into compassionate and productive citizens.”
— Jennifer Vrooman, School principal, Oswego Community Christian School, Oswego
“We are most proud of the fact that we have been able to help so many home sellers and home buyers accomplish their goal of selling or buying a home for the past 27 years.”
— Leah Haggerty, License real estate broker and owner of Century 21 Leah’s Signature, Fulton and Liverpool
