Love Living Local 315

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, Scott sits down with Nick Passalacqua, Utica native and founder of Passalacqua & Associates. Nick shares his journey from a competitive kid at Proctor High School who loved to argue to a trial attorney building his own law firm in downtown Utica. We talk about what brought him back to Central New York and why he believes the region has more potential than people give it credit for.Building a successful law firm hasn't been easy. Nick opens up about starting as a solo attorney, struggling to make payroll and learning how to grow a business without losing what makes it special. He shares some hard lessons about leadership, hiring and the importance of understanding the numbers behind your business. The conversation also takes a personal turn as Nick reflects on his daughter's battle with illness and how that experience changed his perspective on family, work and success.We also get into the legal world from a perspective most people rarely hear. Nick shares what people should consider when hiring an attorney and why not all law firms operate the same way. Plus, we talk about the changes happening in downtown Utica, the importance of giving back and why Nick is tired of hearing people say there's nothing to do around here.In This Episode:• Why Nick returned to Utica and his vision for building a lasting law firm in Central New York• The challenges of entrepreneurship and the lessons he learned while growing his business• How a family health crisis reshaped his priorities and leadership philosophy• What people should know before choosing an attorney• Why Nick believes Utica's future is bright and more people need to advocate for their hometown---Show Markers:(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction(0:45) - What Brought Nick Back?(4:15) - Arguing in High School & Mock Trial(6:30) - Competition & Rarely Satisfied(8:45) - Building Something Here(12:00) - Starting Your Own Firm(16:00) - Business Growth vs. Business Development(18:25) - What's Changed with Scaling?(22:00) - Tracking the Important Numbers(25:50) - Perspective & Enjoying Every Day(34:30) - Contacting Nick(35:00) - Rapid Fire Questions---Nick Passalacqua's Links:Website - https://cnytriallaw.comIG - https://www.instagram.com/cnytriallawFB - https://www.facebook.com/CNYTrialLawLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/passalacqua-associates-llcYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passalacquaassociates9551---Love Living Local Links:Podcast Email - [email protected] - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Anna D’Ambrosio, President and CEO of Munson, to talk about the past, present and future of one of the Mohawk Valley’s most iconic institutions. Anna shares how Munson has evolved during her decades with the organization. A major part of that change has been making art more accessible and creating a place where everyone feels welcome. From free art classes for hundreds of local kids to partnerships throughout the community, Munson has become much more than a museum.We also dive into Munson For All, the organization’s first capital campaign since its founding in 1919. The $9.5 million campaign will help transform the Museum of Art with an expanded interactive Art Odyssey, a new cafe and other visitor focused improvements. Anna also shares why art matters in a world dominated by screens and technology. It gives people a chance to slow down, observe and think differently.Along the way, we uncover just how much is happening at Munson. The organization hosts more than 600 events each year and operates across 25 buildings in Utica. Its collection also attracts visitors from around the world. Whether you love art or have never stepped inside a museum, Anna has a simple message. You do not need to know anything about art to walk through the doors and experience it for yourself.In This Episode:• How Munson is making art more accessible to families across the Mohawk Valley• The vision behind the $9.5 million Munson For All campaign• Why art builds critical thinking and gives us space to slow down• The surprising scope of Munson’s events, programs and community partnerships• Why Anna wants everyone to feel like Munson belongs to themAt its heart, this conversation is about opening the doors a little wider and showing people what has been sitting right here in the 315 all along.---Show Markers:(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction(1:00) - Changes Over Time(3:25) - 9.5 Million Dollar Capital Campaign(5:10) - Visiting the Museum(6:15) - Misconceptions Around Munson(8:25) - Art For Kids(9:40) - Gateway to Learning(10:45) - Favorite Exhibitions(11:45) - Value to Community(14:30) - Community Partnerships(16:25) - Munson For All(17:30) - Events(19:50) - Membership(22:15) - The Time is Now(24:45) - Slowing Down & Activities(26:50) - Anna's Legacy & Open Door(28:15) - Rapid Fire Questions---Anna & Munson's Links:Website - https://www.munson.artIG - https://www.instagram.com/munsonuticaFB - https://www.facebook.com/MunsonUticaCampaign - https://www.munson.art/for-all---Love Living Local Links:Podcast Email - [email protected] - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com

In this episode, we sit down with Chet LoConti, Director of the City of Utica Youth Bureau and a longtime basketball coach who has spent decades investing in local kids. Chet takes us inside the Youth Bureau and the incredible amount happening there every day. From after school programming and basketball to pools, parks, summer activities, swim lessons and even pickleball, the goal is simple. Give kids a safe place to go and people they can count on.Chet also shares the side of the job that goes far beyond recreation. We talk about providing meals, clothing, hygiene products and other essentials for kids who need them. He shares the emotional story of two young men he coached who stayed in touch as they grew up and eventually reached milestones of their own. We also get into his nearly 30 years of coaching, the importance of being a father figure and why seeing a former player succeed means more than winning any game.At the heart of the conversation is Chet's love for Utica. He talks about the people who quietly give back, the diversity that makes the city special and the team that makes the Youth Bureau's work possible. It is a great look at just how much can happen when a community gives young people a chance.We Talk About:• The programs and opportunities available through the City of Utica Youth Bureau• How the after school program provides much more than a place for kids to hang out• Chet's nearly 30 years of coaching and the relationships that have stayed with him• The importance of donations, partnerships and community support• Why Chet believes Utica's culture and its people make it a special place to grow upFor Chet, the mission can be summed up pretty simply. Every kid deserves a chance.---Show Markers:(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction(1:00) - Youth Bureau Offerings & Programs(2:45) - What's Changed & Staff(5:00) - After School Program(8:25) - Success Stories(10:30) - It Takes a Special Person(12:15) - Donations & General Fund(15:15) - Recruiting Workers & Workforce Development(16:30) - Fatherhood(19:35) - 29 Years of Coaching(23:30) - What Makes Utica a Great Place For Kids?(27:45) - Rapid Fire Questions---Chet LoConti's Links:FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552065084235IG - https://www.instagram.com/utica.youthbureauWebsite - https://www.cityofutica.com/departments/youth-bureau---Love Living Local Links:Podcast Email - [email protected] - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Neruda Perdomo, a recent Utica University graduate, former Pioneers basketball standout, and co-host of the growing sports podcast Not Even D2. Originally from New York City, Neruda shares how basketball brought him to Utica and how his time here helped shape both his career goals and his perspective on life. What started as a college basketball journey quickly turned into a passion for storytelling, content creation and building meaningful connections through media.Neruda talks about the discipline that comes from being a Division III athlete, the lessons he's learned behind the microphone and the confidence that comes from pushing through uncomfortable moments. From interviewing Division III athletes to landing conversations with Division I coaches and NBA players, he explains how every opportunity has helped prepare him for a career in sports media. He also reflects on the influence of his parents, both accomplished storytellers in their own right and why staying curious has been one of his biggest advantages.We also talk about his experience working behind the scenes with Love Living Local, what surprised him most about the Mohawk Valley and why this community became much more than just a place to attend college. This episode is full of energy, optimism and a reminder that chasing big dreams often starts with saying yes to the next opportunity.---Show Markers:(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction(1:15) - Journey & Becoming a Storyteller(1:55) - Finding Utica Through Basketball(4:15) - Start of Not Even D2(7:15) - Preparing For Big Name Guests(12:35) - Intern Experience with Vuew Media & LLL(14:15) - Storytelling & Life Experience(16:15) - Don't Let Small Minded People Limit You(18:10) - Shout Out to Dad(19:15) - Graduating & What Success Looks Like(23:10) - Dream Guests(23:40) - Living in Utica(28:25) - Future Project Aspirations(30:15) - Rapid Fire Questions---Neruda's Links:Website - https://nerudaperdomo.myportfolio.comIG - https://www.instagram.com/nerudaperdomoNED2 IG - https://www.instagram.com/notevend2YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Notevend2---Love Living Local Links:Podcast Email - [email protected] - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.comReferrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with John Calabrese, President and CEO of First Source Federal Credit Union, for a conversation about leadership, community and why he believes the future of Central New York has never been brighter. From a global career with Pfizer that took him around the world to building Express Employment Professionals from the ground up, John shares the pivotal moments that shaped both his career and his philosophy on leadership.John opens up about the decision to leave a corporate career and return home to be closer to family. He also reflects on the challenges of starting a business from scratch, navigating the uncertainty of COVID and making difficult decisions when the people counting on you matter most. Throughout the conversation, one theme keeps surfacing: servant leadership. Whether he is talking about employees, customers, or the community, John believes success comes from helping others succeed first.We also dive into the future of First Source, the importance of financial literacy and the opportunities emerging across the Mohawk Valley. From economic development and small business growth to attracting talent and building a more diversified economy, John shares an optimistic outlook on where the region is headed. This episode is packed with practical advice, local pride and a refreshing perspective on what makes the 315 such a special place to call home.Thank you to First Source for being a major supporter of our platform.---Show Markers:(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction(0:45) - Leaving Pfizer & Returning Home(2:15) - Transition to Express(3:50) - Servant Leadership & Family(6:15) - What Brought John to First Source(7:30) - Expanding Charter(9:15) - Growth vs. Service(11:05) - Community Involvement & Financial Literacy(13:00) - Herkimer County Projects(15:30) - AI in the Industry(17:30) - Beyond Banking(18:55) - Budget & Habits(23:30) - Why CNY is Special(25:10) - When People Think of First Source(26:30) - Human Connection(27:30) - Locations & Future Plans(28:25) - Biggest Opportunity(30:10) - Rapid Fire Questions---John & First Source Links:Website - https://www.fsource.orgIG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcuFB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcuLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-calabrese-ab8a6a7---Love Living Local Links:Podcast Email - [email protected] - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.comReferrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Jennifer Huntley, Executive Director of Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund, an organization that has spent nearly 30 years supporting children and families facing childhood cancer across Central New York. What began as a small memorial walk in honor of a six-year-old girl named Paige has grown into a powerful mission that now serves families across 22 counties. Jennifer shares the story behind the organization, the impact of Paige’s legacy and why the work continues to matter just as much today as it did three decades ago.This conversation shines a light on the realities families face after a childhood cancer diagnosis. Jennifer talks about the financial strain, the constant travel for treatment and the emotional toll that comes with caring for a child battling cancer. She explains how Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund steps in with immediate support, helps families build community and works closely with Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital to address the greatest needs along the journey.We also discuss the incredible resilience of the children and families she meets every day. Jennifer shares stories that are both heartbreaking and inspiring, along with the perspective she has gained from working alongside families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength that exists in our communities and the difference people can make when they come together around a common cause.We Discuss:• The story of Paige and how her legacy sparked a mission that has lasted nearly 30 years• The challenges families face after receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis• How Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund provides financial and emotional support• The long-term impact childhood cancer has on survivors and their families• Ways individuals and businesses can help support children battling cancer across Central New YorkThis conversation is emotional, inspiring and full of perspective. It is also a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful way to help is simply to show up, spread awareness and let families know they are not facing their journey alone.This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)---Show Markers:(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction(0:55) - Story of Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund(2:30) - 30 Years Later(3:45) - Day to Day Operations(6:00) - How Did Jennifer Get Involved?(7:00) - Standing Out & Spreading Awareness(8:15) - Comfort Kits & Financial Help(9:45) - Resilience & Community(11:20) - Providing Some Normalcy(12:45) - Long Term Journey(15:20) - Powerful Moments & Success Stories(17:15) - Are There Warning Signs?(18:30) - Prevention & Environment Factors(20:30) - Growth & Rebranding(22:15) - Annual Events(27:00) - Getting to Know the Need(28:30) - June Run(30:10) - Keeping Memories Alive(32:30) - Not Bringing Work Home(35:45) - Rapid Fire Questions---Jennifer Huntley's Links:Website - https://paigesccf.orgIG - https://www.instagram.com/paigeschildhoodcancerfundFB - https://www.facebook.com/paigeschildhoodcancerfundLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/paiges-childhood-cancer-fund---Love Living Local Links:Podcast Email - [email protected] - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.comReferrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Daniel Clark, a US Marine Corps veteran, former Utica firefighter and paramedic, and founder of Adirondack Spirit Leadership Forge. Dan opens up about a life built around service, from growing up in a family deeply connected to education and the fire department, to serving overseas in the Marines and later working on the front lines here in Utica. What starts as a conversation about service quickly turns into a much deeper discussion about trauma, purpose, mental health and the realities many veterans and first responders face after years of carrying heavy experiences.Dan speaks honestly about burnout, emotional regulation, fatherhood and the loneliness that can come from living through experiences most people cannot fully understand. He shares how important community, nature and open conversations have been in his own healing journey, while also talking about the need to move mental health conversations beyond crisis response and toward prevention. There are some incredibly powerful moments in this one, especially around learning how to slow down, reconnect and ask for help before things spiral too far.We also dive into Dan’s vision for Adirondack Spirit Leadership Forge and his goal of creating a healing-focused outdoor center for veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, and community members across Central New York. From leadership retreats and mental health workshops to mentorship opportunities for young people, his focus is all about rebuilding connection in a world that often feels disconnected.We Cover:• Dan’s journey from the Marines to the Utica Fire Department and the impact of service• The mental health struggles many veterans and first responders face in silence• Why nature, community, and conversation play such a major role in healing• The mission and future vision behind Adirondack Spirit Leadership Forge• Supporting youth leadership, mentorship and stronger community connection in the 315This conversation is a reminder that healing is not weakness, and that nobody is meant to carry everything alone.This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)---Show Markers:(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction(0:40) - Journey of Service(2:30) - Enlisting in the Marines(4:15) - The Lonely Side & Trauma(7:15) - The Moment Dan Knew(9:30) - People Struggling Alone(12:15) - Growing Focus on Mental Health(13:30) - Adirondack Spirit Leadership Forge(18:30) - Looking For a Location(19:30) - The Vision(23:10) - Replacing an EAP Program(24:30) - American Legion Involvement(26:30) - Boys State(29:30) - Helping the Youth(30:50) - Supporting the Mission(31:50) - Rapid Fire Questions---Daniel Clark's Links:Website - https://www.adirondackspiritleadershipforgellc.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DanielClark7FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070653181737---Love Living Local Links:Podcast Email - [email protected] - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.comReferrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode, we sit down with Mary Warfel Moquin, founder of A Brand New Day, for a conversation that goes far beyond marketing. Mary shares the story behind launching her business after navigating job loss, motherhood, health complications and the realization that the traditional corporate path no longer aligned with the life she wanted to build. What started as freelancing during the pandemic slowly evolved into a business rooted in storytelling, authenticity and helping brands connect with people in a more human way. Mary dives into her philosophy around “human-to-human marketing” and why so many businesses struggle to clearly communicate who they are. From branding and vulnerability to email marketing and storytelling, she explains how the strongest brands are built through trust, clarity and genuine connection. The conversation also explores the realities of entrepreneurship while balancing motherhood.We also get into Mary’s love for poetry, writing and community. She talks about how storytelling has shaped her entire life, why the Mohawk Valley is such a unique place for entrepreneurs and how collaboration has become one of the area’s greatest strengths.We Cover:• Mary Warfel Moquin’s journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship• The idea behind “human-to-human marketing” and why authenticity matters• The difference between marketing and sales, and why small businesses confuse the two• Balancing motherhood, creativity, and building a business from the ground up• How storytelling, poetry, and community all influence the way she approaches brandingThis conversation is a reminder that great marketing is not about being louder. It’s about being real, telling better stories and creating genuine connections with people.This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)---Show Markers:(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction(1:00) - Origins of A Brand New Day(7:30) - Human to Human Marketing(10:15) - Why Small Businesses Struggle to Communicate(12:10) - Outsourcing Your Weaknesses(13:10) - Marketing vs. Sales(16:15) - Working with Mary(17:55) - People Buy on Emotion & Why?(19:45) - Building a Strong Brand From Scratch(22:00) - Email Marketing(25:35) - Most Challenging Part(27:50) - Flexibility & Work Life Integration(30:45) - Poetry & Writing(34:10) - Community(37:00) - What's Next(40:05) - Rapid Fire Questions---Mary Warfel Moquin's Links:Website - https://www.abrandnew.dayLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marywarfelmoquinFB - https://www.facebook.com/p/A-Brand-New-Day-Co-61572507656380---Love Living Local Links:Podcast Email - [email protected] - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.comReferrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we welcome back Anthony Amodio. Anthony is a chef, entrepreneur and the force behind Philomena’s Salumeria, Monarch by Anthony and several of the area’s most talked-about food experiences. From carrying on a family legacy that dates back to 1919 to building multiple businesses across the Mohawk Valley, Anthony shares what it really takes to create something that lasts. This conversation blends history, hustle and a whole lot of heart.Anthony opens up about the realities of running multiple businesses at once, from managing teams and maintaining quality to navigating rising food costs and constant change. He talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, staying connected to your customers, and being willing to adapt without losing what makes your product special. Whether it’s building a modern-day salumeria experience or perfecting something as sacred as tomato pie in Utica, everything he does is intentional.At its core, this episode is about more than food. It’s about legacy, resilience, and creating experiences that bring people together. Anthony’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about what you build, but how it makes people feel long after they leave.We Discuss:• Carrying on a family legacy and building Philomena’s from the ground up• The challenges of running multiple businesses and staying consistent• How Anthony approaches quality, team building, and leadership• The story behind his tomato pie and creating something unique in Utica• Why food, family, and community are at the center of everything he doesThis one feels like sitting at the table with someone who’s lived it — and is still building every day.This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)---Show Markers:(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction(1:30) - Carrying on Family Legacy(2:55) - Names of Sandwiches(4:15) - Managing Multiple Businesses(4:55) - Salumeria Experience(7:45) - Old Experience, New Twist(10:15) - Customer Suggestions(11:40) - Destination Location(13:00) - Why Baggs Square?(16:20) - Hiring Up(17:30) - Quality & Scaling(18:30) - Product Diversity(20:15) - Long Hours & Recharging(21:00) - Driven by Struggle & Giving Back(23:50) - Biggest Challenges(27:50) - Tomato Pie(31:50) - What's Next?(37:15) - Rapid Fire Questions---Anthony Amodio's Links:Philomena's - FB - https://www.facebook.com/p/Philomenas-Salumeria-61581390762049Monarch Website - https://monarchyorkville.comMonarch FB - https://www.facebook.com/p/Monarch-by-Anthony-Amodio-Anthony-Amodio-Catering-100092354675069/---Love Living Local Links:Podcast Email - [email protected] - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.comReferrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Dr. Victor Martinez Zavala, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, whose journey spans from Mexico to Chicago and now right here in New Hartford. With nearly two decades of training and experience, Dr. Zavala shares how his passion for plastic surgery started early and evolved into a career focused on restoring not just appearance, but confidence, function, and quality of life. This conversation goes far beyond what most people think of when they hear “plastic surgery.” Dr. Zavala breaks down the powerful impact of reconstructive work, from helping patients recover after trauma or cancer to performing procedures that quite literally give people their lives back. At the same time, we dive into the realities of aesthetic procedures, the influence of social media, and the importance of setting realistic expectations. His approach is simple but refreshing. Listen first, guide second, and always put the patient’s well-being first. We also talk about why he chose to build his practice in the Mohawk Valley, the value of community-based care, and what makes Slocum such a unique place for both patients and providers. This one is equal parts educational and eye-opening, with a human side to medicine that often gets overlooked.We Discuss:• Dr. Zavala’s journey from Mexico to New Hartford and what shaped his career• The difference between reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery• How procedures can restore confidence, function, and quality of life• The impact of social media on beauty standards and patient expectations• Why building a practice in the 315 and serving the local community mattersThis episode will change the way you think about plastic surgery and give you a deeper appreciation for the people behind the work.This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)---Show Markers:(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction(0:45) - Journey From Mexico to New Hartford(2:45) - Defining Moment(4:55) - Restoring Balance & Confidence(6:50) - Is This an Option For Everyone?(10:30) - Setting Realistic Expectations(12:00) - Connecting with Patients(13:45) - Post Pregnancy Procedures(16:25) - Hand Surgery(18:45) - Experience in Central NY(20:00) - Stress & Striving For Better(22:30) - Treadmill Challenge & Staying Active(23:25) - Slocum-Dickson Medical Group(26:05) - What Does Success Look Like in 2026?(29:20) - Rapid Fire Questions---Dr. Victor Martinez Zavala's Links:Website - https://sdmg.com/provider/victor-martinez-zavala-mdIG - https://www.instagram.com/sdmgplasticsFB - https://www.facebook.com/SDMGPlastics---Love Living Local Links:Podcast Email - [email protected] - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.comReferrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org