Greg Hennessey is a seasoned graphic communications specialist and consultant with over four decades of expertise in visual storytelling, branding, and creative strategy. Since launching his professional design career in 1986—the same year he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Art from SUNY Fredonia—Greg has partnered with a diverse array of corporate clients, non-profits, and arts organizations to bring their visual identities to life. His comprehensive background spans traditional print design, publication layout, and modern multi-media branding, including designing high-profile regional projects like the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Vinyl Volume 1 album cover. Today, Greg seamlessly merges his graphic communication mastery with high-quality audio production, leveraging his sharp eye for design to produce and brand his own weekly media projects, while continuing to provide expert creative consulting across Western New York.

Steve Kottakis is the founder of Nickel City Property Management, serving investment property owners throughout Western New York. A mechanical engineer by training, Steve spent 26 years in manufacturing and operations leadership at Procter & Gamble and L'Oreal before pivoting to real estate investing as a second career. After building a personal portfolio of 50 units and cycling through five different property management companies without finding the right fit, he got his broker's license in 2019 and launched his own firm in 2020.

Today, Steve brings that operations-driven mindset to property management, combining firsthand investor experience with a deep understanding of the Buffalo market. In addition to managing properties, he provides private lending services to local investors, helping them grow their portfolios. Central to his leadership is the "Triple Win" philosophy, a framework designed to align the interests of property owners, tenants, and the management company through predictable pricing, consistent execution, and long-term relationship building.

This month's guests on the Twenty-sixth episode of BNSME Beat is Don Boyd, the President and CEO of Kaleida Health and this year's BNSME Executive of the Year honoree.

Don Boyd is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience within the organization, Don previously served as President and COO, where he spearheaded Kaleida's award-winning response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His extensive background includes a decade as Executive Vice President of Business Development—fostering key regional partnerships like the Great Lakes Cancer Care Collaborative—and a successful tenure as President of Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital.

The Buffalo Comedy Collective is a community-driven organization that fosters the local comedy scene through live performances and workshops. In this epsiode they talk about providing specialized improv-based training to help sales professionals enhance their communication and adaptability.

Co-owners Meghan Joyce and Scott Wojtanik lead the Buffalo Comedy Collective by blending creative performance with high-level professional expertise.

• Meghan Joyce leverages her background as a Business Intelligence Lead to manage BCC's operations, program development, and data optimization.

• Scott Wojtanik draws on his experience in wholesale and math to facilitate team-building workshops that prioritize risk-taking and collaboration.

Together, they perform, teach, and apply improvisational principles—like adaptability and cohesion—to help both students and corporate teams thrive. When they aren't on stage, you'll find them building tech products or enjoying the outdoors.

Jeanne Hellert is the owner of JEH Consulting, an outsourced administration and management services company. She currently has contracts with six local professional business associations including BNSME. Each group has their own leadership structure, schedule, mission, audience and events. Jeanne works with each group's board of directors and interacts with their members, prospective members, and vendors. As the main point of contact for these organizations, Jeanne is connected with hundreds of businesspeople in Western New York.

In this episode Jeanne talks about her background and journey to managing multiple organizations.

This month's guests on the Twenty-Third episode of BNSME Beat are Tiffany Lambert and Chelsea Heary from Netrio a local IT Managed Services provider with a national footprint as well.

Tiffany Lambert is an Event Marketing Manager at Netrio, with a strong background in project coordination, process optimization, and client engagement. She specializes in planning and executing impactful events that enhance brand visibility and foster meaningful connections. Tiffany's previous roles in sales coordination and project management have equipped her with expertise in logistics, vendor relations, and strategic marketing initiatives, making her a versatile professional committed to delivering exceptional results.

Chelsea Heary is an Account Executive with Netrio, With her previous work in sales, marketing and recruiting, Chelsea has used her relationship building, communication skills and growth mindset to help navigate through a recent company acquisition and success this past year. She is known for her cross collaboration with other departments and is looking forward to discussing how sales and marketing work in hand in hand.

Kristen Murray, MS, OTR/L, HPCS

Founder & Executive Director — Red Barn Nature's Way Foundation, Inc.

Owner & Operator — Red Barn Occupational Therapy, PLLC

Kristen Murray is a dedicated and visionary occupational therapist whose practice and nonprofit work are rooted in her lifelong connection to the natural world and the healing power of equine-assisted strategies. As one of only five Hippotherapy Clinical Specialists (HPCS®) in New York State, Kristen combines advanced clinical expertise, nature-based therapeutic philosophy, and entrepreneurial leadership to support people of all abilities. With a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and full licensure as an OTR/L, Kristen brings extensive experience and a unique specialization to her work. Her HPCS credential certifies her as having advanced knowledge in the use of equine movement within therapy practice—certified by the American Hippotherapy Certification Board (AHCB)—indicating rigorous training, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice in hippotherapy. As owner of Red Barn Occupational Therapy, Kristen leads a clinical practice that integrates traditional occupational therapy with the modalities of nature, animals, and equine movement. Her nonprofit, Red Barn Nature's Way Foundation, Inc., furthers her mission to extend access to meaningful, nature-based services that promote independence and well-being for persons of all backgrounds and abilities.

Kristen's personal journey in the fields, forests, and on horseback has shaped her therapeutic vision. Growing up immersed in natural landscapes and equestrian life, she learned early the profound developmental and healing potential of the natural world: how movement, rhythm, sensory input, and connection to living creatures support growth, regulation, and meaningful occupation. Her clinical and nonprofit frameworks reflect this philosophy—with a focus on harnessing the rhythms and sensory-motor opportunities of equine movement, coupled with the context of the outdoors and nature, to engage clients, families, and communities in transformative work. Kristen's mission is to see therapy and nature converge so that clients don't just "receive treatment," but engage deeply in experiences that change how they move, feel, interact, and live. Whether in the clinic or under open skies beside horses, she guides individuals toward greater participation, self-expression, and independence. With the Red Barn Nature's Way Foundation, Kristen's vision extends beyond the therapy room to community initiatives, outdoor wellness programs, and opportunities for persons from diverse backgrounds and abilities to connect with nature, movement, and meaningful occupation.

Courtney Lynn is a Commercial Insurance Advisor and Cannabis Insurance Specialist at Weed Ross, with nearly a decade of experience in the insurance industry. She has built a strong book of business by staying active in the community, pursuing ongoing education, and putting her clients' needs first. Courtney currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Buffalo Niagara Sales & Marketing Executives and as Director of Membership and Partnerships for the Buffalo Cannabis Network. Recognized for her professionalism, integrity, and ability to tailor solutions for complex risks, she is especially passionate about serving high-risk industries such as cannabis. Courtney looks forward to contributing her expertise, community connections, and dedication to supporting independent agents to further Big I WNY's mission of strengthening and advocating for the insurance industry.