In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Mike Curran, founder of Wrappology, to talk cars, creativity, and what it really looks like to build a passion-first business in Central New York. What started as Mike wrapping his own car turned into a decade-long journey building one of the most recognizable automotive wrap brands in the region—known for bold color changes, meticulous detail, and serious craftsmanship.

Mike opens up about choosing to stay small and focused, why he only does wraps (and nothing else), and how moving his shop to Utica was a conscious decision to invest back into the city he calls home. We get into the realities of running a niche business in Upstate NY, the challenges of finding the right market, and how personal branding, merch, and social media helped Wrappology become more than just a service—it became a lifestyle brand.

From wrapping Lamborghinis and Ferraris to working on national commercial projects, movie promotions, and touring installs across the country, Mike breaks down the artistry, pressure, and pride behind every job. The episode also dives into what’s next: scaling through education, launching a wrap training course, and building something that can impact the industry far beyond Utica.

We Discuss:
• How Wrappology started—and why passion came before profit
• The difference between wrapping and painting (and why wraps just make sense)
• Building a lifestyle brand through social media, merch, and consistency
• Wrapping high-end cars, national commercial work, and insane attention to detail
• What’s next for Wrappology, including a wrap education platform and course launch

This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction
(1:00) - Eat Sleep Breathe Cars
(2:00) - What is a Car Wrap?
(4:00) - Moving Business to Utica
(5:30) - Wrapping vs. Painting
(7:00) - Biggest Obstacles
(9:30) - Personal Branding & Social Media
(12:00) - Most Difficult Job
(13:50) - Self Taught & Learning Through Doing
(15:15) - Working on the Road
(16:30) - Using Technology
(19:00) - Traveling Billboards
(21:45) - What's Next? Online Course
(24:45) - Lead with Your Best
(26:35) - Rapid Fire Questions


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Mike Curran's Links:
Wrappology IG - https://www.instagram.com/wrappology
Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/mikeecurran
FB - https://www.facebook.com/wrapologyinc
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wrapology3408

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Ray Durso—President & CEO of the Genesis Group, community connector, regional ambassador, and one of the most recognizable champions of Central New York. Ray shares the origin story of the Genesis Group, how it grew from a handful of leaders meeting twice a week into a region-wide, volunteer-driven organization, and why bringing people together across county lines is more important than ever.

We talk about what community leadership really looks like day to day, how meaningful events (not just more events) create real impact, and why education, healthcare, first responders, and small businesses all sit at the heart of a thriving region. Ray also opens up about his personal philosophy—choosing positivity every morning, leading with faith, and never giving up on making a difference, even when the work gets hard.

From career days that introduce thousands of students to real-world opportunities, to honoring teachers and first responders, to reminding young professionals why the Mohawk Valley is a special place to build a life—this conversation is a masterclass in optimism, connection, and community pride.

We Cover:
• How the Genesis Group was founded and why regional collaboration matters
• What success really looks like for community organizations
• Why first responders, teachers, and students deserve to be celebrated
• How small businesses can support each other through shared challenges
• Why the Mohawk Valley offers a quality of life you can’t find just anywhere

This one is full of heart, perspective, and real talk about what it takes to build a stronger Central New York—together.

🏛️ Upcoming: 26th Annual Regional Legislative Forum Breakfast
Ray also previews the 26th Annual Regional Legislative Forum Breakfast, the Genesis Group’s first major event of the year and one of the most anticipated gatherings in the region. The breakfast brings together leaders, elected officials, business owners, and community members from across Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, and Otsego Counties for a powerful morning of dialogue, collaboration, and regional vision.

This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction
(1:15) - Starting with Genesis
(4:00) - Original Core Group Meetings
(5:30) - Day to Day Role & Educating
(7:15) - What Does Success Look Like?
(9:20) - Events to Look Forward to
(11:30) - Appreciating First Responders
(14:25) - Working with Schools
(18:15) - Herkimer County Wide Event
(19:45) - Ray's Optimistic Philosophy
(22:50) - Challenges & Avoiding Controversy
(25:15) - Respecting Time
(26:00) - Small Business Needs & Chamber Alliance
(29:10) - Improve the Quality of Your Questions
(30:20) - Connecting with Ray
(32:55) - Opinion Pieces
(34:45) - Keeping Young Professionals Here
(39:15) - Rapid Fire Questions


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Ray Durso's Links
Website - https://thegenesisgroup.org
Genesis FB - https://www.facebook.com/TheGenesisGroupMV
This Week in the MV - https://wibx950.com/radio-on-demand

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Doneilous King - lifelong Utica resident, DEIB strategist, senior counselor at SUNY Poly, community builder, DJ, and founder of We Inspire Consulting. From growing up in Cornhill to becoming one of the city’s most impactful connectors, Doneilous shares a powerful, honest look at how poverty, family, faith, sports, and service shaped the man he is today. This was his first-ever podcast appearance, and he doesn’t hold back.

We talk about the importance of access, mentorship, and being the “connective tissue” that keeps communities strong. Doneilous breaks down his work with students through the Educational Opportunity Program, why sports are one of the greatest teachers of life, and how losing, grit, and discipline matter more than talent alone. His perspective on youth development, leadership, and opportunity is both grounded and inspiring - especially for anyone who grew up with limited resources but big dreams.

The conversation also dives into the creative side of his journey - from becoming a DJ during the pandemic to launching Brown Sugar, a packed R&B sing-along experience, and Network & Chill, a monthly event designed to put people in rooms together who normally wouldn’t cross paths. At its core, this episode is about service, abundance, and proving that you don’t have to leave Utica to build a meaningful, impactful life.

In this episode, we talk about:
• Growing up in Cornhill and how poverty helped shape purpose, grit, and drive
• Why sports teach life lessons you can’t learn in a classroom
• Building social capital, mentorship, and being someone others can reach
• The story behind Brown Sugar and Network & Chill—and why community matters
• Why doing what you love first is the key to long-term success and fulfillment

This one is thoughtful, motivating, and full of real-life perspective—especially for anyone trying to figure out how to serve others while building something meaningful right where they are.

This is episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Doneilous Introduction
(1:00) - Early Life & Service Focus
(1:55) - Experiences & Developing Grit
(3:40) - Fatherhood & Social Capital
(4:45) - Role at SUNY Poly & EOP Program
(5:45) - Who Not How & Connections
(8:10) - Sports as a Teacher
(10:35) - What's Changed & Lessons in Losing
(12:30) - Specializing in One Sport
(14:30) - Basketball Enrichment Programs & DKBA
(16:15) - Staying Home & Connective Tissue
(18:15) - Vision For the Future
(20:20) - Being a Creator & Providing Joy
(21:45) - Becoming a DJ
(26:45) - Brown Sugar + Network & Chill
(29:30) - Community Servant & Inspiring Others
(30:30) - Next Chapter & We Inspire Consulting
(32:25) - Ideal Clients & Advice
(34:15) - Brianna Keisel Story
(36:00) - Abundance Mindset
(37:45) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Doneilous King's Links
Personal FB - https://www.facebook.com/Doneilous
Events FB - https://www.facebook.com/p/D-King-Events-100088006012383
Network FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095365847055
Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/doneilousking
Events IG - https://www.instagram.com/dking.events

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.o