SBJ_a_0e_0926

SBJ 9 Broad Street #7 Glens Falls, NY 12801

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

VOL. 31 NO. 07

www.saratogabusinessjournal.com

HH The Business Newspaper of Saratoga County HH

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600

SEPTEMBER 2026

Saratoga Showcase Marks 30 Years As High- Saratoga Race Meet Tops $1 Billion In Performance Building Becomes Standard Wagering As Tourism Momentum Builds

A home by Trojanski Custom Builders is among 13 featured in the 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, highlighting energy-efficient construction and modern building systems across Saratoga County.

BY CAROL ANN CONOVER What started 30 years ago as a builderdriven effort to showcase new residential construction in Saratoga County has grown into one of the region’s most enduring fall traditions — and a window into how the craft of home building itself has changed.

The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, produced by the Saratoga Builders Association, runs Oct. 3-4 and Oct. 10-11, with 13 homes from 12 builders open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Tickets are $25 and are available online, at any showcase home during tour hours and at area locations including all Adirondack Trust branches, Arrow Bank on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa and Queensbury, Roohan Realty on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Rebuilding Together ReShop in Ballston Spa and the

Courtesy Showcase of Homes

Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Fort Edward.

Barry Potoker, executive director of the Saratoga Builders Association and co-chair of the Showcase, said the event draws 3,500 to 4,000 visitors across its two weekends — homebuyers, renovation planners and curious residents alike. “People just love being able to interact with all the builders,” he said.

“It’s sort of a community event.”

The Showcase has also become a sustained charitable enterprise. Over its first 29 years, the event has generated $1.8 million for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties and Rebuilding Together Saratoga County. The 2025 event alone raised $66,000. The Saratoga Builders Association, itself a nonprofit, distributes nearly all proceeds to the two organizations Continued On Page 5

An exercise rider puts his mount through a morning workout at Saratoga Race Course, which had paid attendance of more than one million fans and wagering handle exceeding $1 billion this summer.

BY PAUL POST Paid attendance topped one million for the 11th straight year while wagering handle exceeded $900 million during the 2026 Saratoga Race Course summer meet.

With the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival factored in, paid attendance was 1,149,677 and wagering handle totaled $1,105,339,004.

“At an estimated $9 million per day in local and regional economic impact generated from each day of world-class racing, the easy math is that close to $475 million in additional revenue supporting the hospitality, tourist and retail sales sectors should be realized,” said Greg Connors, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation president. “It’s also important to note that the international and national spotlight on Saratoga County and Saratoga Springs throughout the summer has

Courtesy Paul Post

created new capital investment interest that the partners in economic development, business, community, and government continue to develop.”

Crowds of more than 47,000 and 40,000 turned out for Travers and Whitney days alone, respectively. Napoleon Solo defeated Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes champion Golden Tempo in the Travers, while reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty captured the Whitney to earn a berth in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic in October at Keeneland.

But the dust has barely settled, and officials already are anticipating increased tourism from the momentum the 2026 racing season generated.

“This summer once again demonstrated the strength of Saratoga as a destination,” Continued On Page 7

Saratoga Federal Credit Union Looks Saratoga County Chamber Brings 11th Giant Beyond Saratoga County For New Growth Pumpkinfest To Downtown Saratoga Springs

BY ANN DONNELLY Saratoga Federal Credit Union is accelerating its expansion beyond Saratoga County, following up on the soft opening of its Gloversville branch with plans for further regional growth.

CEO Don Denofio said the credit union, which in 2025 expanded into Fulton, Montgomery, Warren and Washington counties, is taking a targeted approach to physical branches and other growth strategies.

The credit union quietly opened its Gloversville branch a few weeks ago, with a formal grand opening set for Sept. 24. For Denofio, selecting Gloversville in Fulton County over wealthier markets came down to serving an underserved community.

“We took a look at the four counties we added and took a look at things like housing values, demographics, the income levels, the potential for mortgage activity,” Denofio said. “And the philosophy of being able to help people in a banking desert, so to speak. When it came down to it, I think maybe the board sat back and said, ‘Why would we go there instead of here?’ Because look at Warren County and it’s thriving. And that’s one of the reasons I decided not to go there first”.

Gloversville presents key opportunities for home improvement loans, home equity lines and mortgage refinancing. While residents face high debt loads, home values in Gloversville climbed 30% over two years.

“People are coming in the door feeling as

Saratoga Federal Credit Union's Gloversville branch expands service into Fulton County.

Saratoga Business Jouranl

though they’ve got a second chance and it feels great,” Denofio said. “We’ve made some exceptions on loans over the past couple of weeks.

We’ve had people just walk in and they got things that they didn’t think they could get anywhere Continued On Page 11

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce will present the 2026 Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest on Saturday, Sept. 26, in downtown Saratoga Springs.

The free, all-ages event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center parking garage.

Now in its 11th year, the festival marks the start of fall and celebrates the local and regional agricultural community.

Attendees can see giant pumpkins, some weighing more than 1,000 pounds and possibly 2,000 pounds, and watch the official weigh-off.

Growers from across New York state and the Northeast bring their largest pumpkins to compete for the Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest title. Prizes are awarded for the heaviest pumpkin grown in Saratoga County and the heaviest pumpkin overall, along with additional categories and prizes.

The festival will include fall activities and food and beverage vendors. It is near the Saratoga Farmers’ Market at High Rock Park, and attendees are encouraged to visit downtown shops and restaurants.

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce thanked Sunnyside Gardens, D.A. Collins Companies, Druthers Brewing Company, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Staples and the Saratoga Springs City Center for supporting the community event.

For information about sponsorships or vendor space, email Andrea Mulholland at amulholland@ saratoga.org.

More information about Saratoga Giant Pump-

A giant pumpkin is weighed during Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Courtesy Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest

kinfest is available at https://www.saratoga.org/live/ giant-pumpkin-fest/.

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has served businesses in Saratoga County since 1918.

Provided by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; edited for style and length.

2 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026

•

Business Briefs

Alliance180 received a $19,000 donation from the New York State Veterans of Foreign Wars to support suicide prevention programming for veterans, first responders, frontline health care workers and others facing crisis.

The organization provides a peer-to-peer, purpose-driven equine experience based on trust, connection and Polyvagal Theory. The program and participants’ travel are offered at no cost.

The donation is one of three special projects selected by State Commander James McArthur.

Alliance180 was founded by Bob Nevins, a decorated Army helicopter pilot who served during the Vietnam War. The Program was developed and written by co-founder Melody Squier, who is an Equine Specialist and first responder.

Alliance180 serves people across the country.

For more information, visit https://www.alliance180.org.

Provided by Alliance180; edited for style and length. * * *

*

•

Pioneer has acquired The College Advisor of New York and launched a College Advising Division to help families navigate college searches, admissions and affordability decisions.

Dr. Dean Skarlis, founder and president of The College Advisor of New York, will lead the division as Vice President of College Advising.

His team will continue advising high school students and their parents, combining college selection guidance with financial strategy.

The division will assist families with identifying prospective schools, developing admissions strategies, understanding financial considerations and selecting a college.

The acquisition expands Pioneer’s services beyond traditional financial offerings.

Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. is a financial holding company with more than $2 billion in assets. Its subsidiaries provide banking, insurance, wealth management, equipment financing and municipal bond trading services.

Provided by Pioneer; edited for style and length. * * *

*

33

The Towne Law Firm, P.C. announced that four of its attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Upstate New York Super Lawyers®. Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys who have achieved a high degree of peer recognition and professional accomplishment.

2026 Upstate New York Super Lawyers® John W. Liguori, Esq. – Civil Litigation: Defense (10-year milestone) Michael Rhodes-Devey, Esq. – Gaming Law (10-year milestone) James T. Towne, Jr., Esq. – Business Litigation (20-year milestone) Douglas L. Goldman, Esq. – Immigration Law (first-time selectee) Provided by The Towne Law Firm, P.C.; edited for style and length. *

*

*

The Northway/I-87 overpass at Exit 23 will be dedicated to the late NYS Environmental Conservation Officer Stephen L. Raymond after NY Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation honoring him.

Hochul approved legislation July 31 to name the overpass in the Town of Lake George the “ECO Stephen L. Raymond Memorial Bridge.”

Raymond died April 17, 2017, at age 67 after battling cancers linked to his duties following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. A Thurman resident and U.S. Navy veteran, he worked for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement for 26 years.

The Warren County Board of Supervisors and Town of Lake George supported the memorial. NY State Sen. Dan Stec and NY State Assemblyman Matt Simpson sponsored the legislation.

Provided by Warren County; edited for style and length. *

1993-2026

*

*

*

*

The Lake George Association has released its 2025 Annual Report, reflecting on 140 years of protecting Lake George’s water quality and clarity and outlining a vision for freshwater

At NBT Bank, our goal is to help you reach yours.

conservation.

The report describes how science, collaboration and advocacy have guided the organization since its founding in 1885. In 2025, the LGA marked its 140th anniversary and developed its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. The plan emphasizes using science to understand emerging threats, developing solutions with partners, advocating for policy and engaging communities.

Initiatives highlighted include the 10th anniversary of the Lake George Road Salt Reduction Initiative; work to reduce chloride pollution; aquatic invasive species prevention, research and management; wastewater infrastructure improvements and stormwater mitigation projects; and monitoring through the Jefferson Project.

The report is available at https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/annual-report.

Provided by Lake George Association; edited for style and length. *

*

*

*

SUNY Adirondack has expanded degree programs eligible for SUNY Reconnect, a program supporting adults pursuing associate degrees in high-demand fields.

Beginning in the fall semester, more than a dozen programs will qualify, including Applied Business Information and Analytics, which combines business education with artificial intelligence, data analytics, information management systems and digital communication platforms.

Eligible areas include education, computer science, criminal justice, cybersecurity, engineering, environmental science, health sciences, construction management, mechatronics and nursing.

SUNY Reconnect serves New York state residents ages 25 to 55 without a college degree and covers tuition, mandatory fees, books and supplies after other tuition assistance. Students must file the New York State TAP application.

An information session is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, via Zoom.

Provided by SUNY Adirondack; edited for style and length.

Trust your goals to our experienced Northern New York commercial banking team.

Marc Monahan Regional President 518.698.9567 mmonahan@nbtbank.com

Craig Seybolt Regional Commercial

Our relationship managers provide the expert guidance and custom solutions it takes to help grow your business. Our local commitment builds strong,

Banking Manager 518.232.8239 Craig.Seybolt@nbtbank.com

long-lasting partnerships that maximize your potential for success.

Vincent Amodeo Business Banking Territory Manager 518.409.5373

Capital & Treasury Management Solutions

Fraud Protection & Secure Banking Solutions

Local Perspective & Decision Making

vamodeo@nbtbank.com

Accelerate your business growth with the guidance of an NBT Relationship Manager!

Scan the QR code to meet our experts.

Member FDIC

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 3

•

Business Report

•

Strong Benefits Packages Give Employers An Edge In Hiring

BY ROSE MILLER Benefits have become a very important issue for current and potential employees. In recent years, surveys show the workforce places greater importance on benefits than even wages. Although administering benefits and explaining all the details is usually the job of human resources, managers need to know basic information about employee benefits for a variety of important reasons. First, a small employer may not have an HR department, and employees will look to the person who just handed them that large packet of confusing information. That person should be prepared to answer complex questions. Sometimes, the human resources department is not part of the benefits plan purchasing process, resulting in large gaps in knowledge regarding plan documents and details.

Job candidates, during a job interview, are likely to inquire about benefits, and the hiring manager will want to be able to provide decent answers (or at least the correct answers!). Benefits are a selling point when interviewing job applicants. If the hiring manager is able to promote the organization’s benefits package well, it can help attract high-quality employees to the company. When new employees come on board, they will undoubtedly have even more questions about benefits, and they may also need help with the enrollment paperwork. Academic institutions and nonprofits often lead with generous benefits because their wages may not be as competitive as those in private-sector industries.

The tricky part is how employers balance the cost of insurance programs with the desire to attract the best talent. I’m dating myself when I tell you that “once upon a time” employers paid the entire cost of premiums. Premiums began to escalate by double digits in the early 1990s. As a costcontainment strategy, employers began sharing premium costs with employees.

The most common strategy began with a 75/25 split, with the employer paying the larger portion.

Then the trend became the employer picking up individual coverage and employees paying any additional cost for selecting higher-premium options. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA), some companies developed a flat amount that the employer contributes toward any option selected. For example, all employees receive $200 per month toward any plan option selected.

Another past trend scaled an employee’s premium share downward as the employee climbed the corporate ladder. Becoming a partner, for example, may mean the organization picks up the entire cost of health insurance. However, a provision in the ACA mandates that a company satisfy

Rose Miller, President of Suite Advice, LLC. Courtesy Suite Advice LLC

annual testing that compares the premiums paid by lower-income employees with those paid by the highest-paid employees. Many companies have been able to stay competitive by offering a variety of benefit options, some with high deductibles that are complemented by either a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or health savings account (HSA).

In smaller businesses, a strategy may be to drop company health insurance altogether and send employees to state health care exchanges. These small businesses add a new, flat taxable amount to the employee’s base wages to help pay for the premiums. Even a small business can remain competitive by offering other benefits such as discounts, memberships or flexible work arrangements.

Offering benefits is still a way for a company to differentiate itself from, or keep up with, its competition. Evidence points to employees placing greater value than ever on company benefits.

Employers who do not review their entire benefits package for competitive advantage are missing the mark.

The cost of benefits has become so important that the cost of continuing benefits has been negotiated in termination agreements. Rather than a number of weeks’ salary as severance, terminated employees are negotiating a number of months of payments toward COBRA continuation of benefits.

Opera Saratoga Launches National Search As Mary Birnbaum Moves To Advisory Role Opera Saratoga announced that Mary Birnbaum, who has served as the company’s tenth General and Artistic Director since March 2023, will conclude her tenure in December 2026 and transition to Artistic Advisor on Jan. 1, 2027. Opera Saratoga’s Board of Directors has initiated a national search for a successor.

Birnbaum will remain in an advisory capacity and direct future productions while spending more time on directing work nationally.

During Birnbaum’s tenure, Opera Saratoga increased artistic programming, relaunched its education program, which now reaches more than 10,000 schoolchildren annually, and doubled the capacity of its Songs By Heart memory care program. The company also rebuilt its donor base, developed partnerships with local and regional arts organizations and added eight board members, according to Board President Steve Rosenblum.

Birnbaum also introduced a winter production series beyond the company’s traditional summer festival season. The series launched last winter with La bohème and continues Dec. 4 with La traviata at Universal Preservation Hall, led by Birnbaum alongside the company’s head of music, Adam Nielsen.

Her artistic tenure has included new opera and productions of classic works. Chris Cerrone and Stephanie Fleischmann’s In a Grove was presented as an immersive walk through the Spa State Park.

Birnbaum also co-created and directed a collaborative tour involving Opera Saratoga, The Glimmerglass Festival, Finger Lakes Opera and the Seagle Festival in a production of Kurt Weill’s Happy End. Birnbaum serves as dramatic advisor for the Master of Music and Graduate Diploma programs at the Juilliard School. Her upcoming directing projects include the world premiere of Kamala Sankaram and Minita Ghandi’s The Many Deaths

of Laila Starr at Minnesota Opera, opening Oct. 31 at St. Paul’s Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and a residency at Manhattan’s Merkin Hall.

The residency includes the New York performance of Happy End and a collaboration with pianist Adam Tendler on a staged version of Bartok’s Mikrokosmos.

Birnbaum will continue to advise Opera Saratoga during the leadership transition and the launch of the 2027 season. Candidates interested in applying may contact Board President Steve Rosenblum at srosenblum@operasaratoga.org.

Provided by Opera Saratoga; edited for style and length.

Bottom line, there is much more to putting together a benefits package than just gathering the paperwork. There is a fiduciary responsibility to develop plans that follow the never-ending regulatory aspects of benefits administration.

Competitive benefits mean your company offers plans that meet the needs of employees and

today’s workforce. Hiring managers can begin by understanding what questions job seekers may have about benefits. This basic information sets the stage for ways to communicate benefits to candidates. The best companies have competitive benefits packages. If yours is generous, it can become a real selling point.

Mary Birnbaum, general and artistic director of Opera Saratoga, moves to an advisory role.

Courtesy Opera Saratoga

16 Y E A R S · LOC A L

1456 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY

518.583.2673

TRUMP WINES

MANAGED IT · CLOUD · CYBERSECURITY

Your IT Should Just Work.

Help desk, cloud, and security handled by a team based right here in Upstate New York.

Trump Rosé $20.28 - 750ml

Trump Chardonnay $20.28 - 750ml

Trump Trinity $45.47 - 750ml Also Available $19.33 - Per Pack

16

YEARS IN BUSINESS

storedtech.com Trump Blanc de Blanc $45.47 - 750ml

Trump Sauvignon Blac $45.47 - 750ml

SECURITY YOU CAN TRUST. SUPPORT YOU CAN COUNT ON.

97%

SATISFACTION

4 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026

NEXT ISSUE

SPECIAL SECTION

Office Technology / E-Commerce Commercial / Residential Real Estate Entrepreneurial Women Publication Date: October 15, 2026

Wellness Year End Tax / Financial Planning Holiday Gift Guide

Publication Date: November 12, 2026

Call Today To Reserve Space

(518) 581-0600 Fax: (518) 430-3020

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

9 Broad St. Glens Falls, NY 12803 (518) 581-0600 • Fax: (518) 430-3020 • www.saratogabusinessjournal.com Editorial & Advertising: HarryW@saratogabusinessjournal.com Press Releases: pressreleases@saratogabusinessjournal.com Publisher & Editor Harry Weinhagen Editor Emeritus Rod Bacon Sales and Customer Service Harry Weinhagen Mary Longley Production Manager Graphic Precision Contributing Writers Susan Campbell Lee Coleman Carol Ann Conover Ann Donnelly Paul Post Saratoga Business Journal is published monthly, the second week of each month, by Weinhagen Associates, LLC and mailed to business and professional people in Saratoga County.

Saratoga Business Journal is independently owned and is a registered tradename of Weinhagen Associates, LLC, 9 Broad St. #7, Glens Falls, NY 12801 (518) 581-0600. Saratoga Business Journal is a registered tradename in New York.

Saratoga Business Journal has been founded to promote business in Saratoga County and to provide a forum that will increase the awareness of issues and activities that are of interest to the business community. Subscription price is $25.00 per year. Third class postage paid at Glens Falls, New York.

Rights to editorial content and layouts of advertising placed with Saratoga Business Journal which are the creative effort of its contractors, and printing materials supplied by Saratoga Business Journal are the property of Saratoga Business Journal and may not be reproduced by photographic or similar methods, or otherwise, without the specific authorization of Saratoga Business Journal.

Confluence Chocolate Combines Sustainable Sourcing With Allergy-Conscious Production

BY CAROL ANN CONOVER When Chris Tomchik started experimenting with bean-to-bar chocolate in his apartment, he had no intention of building a company overnight. What began as curiosity sparked by online videos about the process has grown in less than a year into Confluence Chocolate, a Ballston Spabased chocolate maker that has quickly built a following among local shoppers, chefs and caterers across the region.

Tomchik, a former community and hospital pharmacist, said he was drawn to chocolate making by the science behind it. He first tried the process at home with a small melanger, a stone grinder used to refine roasted cacao, before learning that New York classifies chocolate production as high risk because of contamination concerns and requires a dedicated facility with three-bay sinks and other commercial infrastructure. Scaling up meant committing fully to the business rather than starting small.

“I either go all in or I don’t,” Tomchik said.

He now runs the company largely on his own, with occasional help from a small staff at farmers markets, while outsourcing graphic design and printing.

“We do have a couple of employees, but right now I’m doing mostly all aspects of it except for the items that we outsource like our graphics design, printing services, things like that,” Tomchik said.

The name Confluence reflects both Tomchik’s personal interests and his vision for the business, tying together his love of the outdoors with a desire to stay rooted in the community. A line printed inside the packaging of the company’s flagship Origin bar captures that idea: “In a sense we are the confluence that unites our chocolate loving customers and the farmers that grow our beans.”

Confluence sources its cacao through a bean broker who visits growers annually to verify sustainable farming practices and fair pay for workers, Tomchik said, noting that some farms also carry organic certification. He stays in direct contact with at least one grower, who shares regular updates from the farm.

The business has also become known for its commitment to customers with food allergies.

Tomchik, whose son has celiac disease, said Confluence keeps all nine major federally recognized food allergens out of its manufacturing space and equipment.

“None of the Big 9 allergens allowed into the manufacturing space or into the equipment,” he said.

That policy, paired with sustainable packaging that includes biodegradable cellophane wrapping and paper materials, has helped shape the brand’s identity as it has built relationships with area farmers markets, wholesale accounts and caterers.

Since making its first sales on Thanksgiving Day, Confluence has grown from an initial order of four bags of cacao beans to a full pal-

Confluence Chocolate offers sustainably sourced, allergy-conscious treats in Ballston Spa. Courtesy Confluence Chocolate

let of eight, with demand continuing to climb, Tomchik said. The company’s chocolate is now carried at Putnam Market in Saratoga Springs, Nourish Designs, Iron Roost and Willow Marsh and is used by PDT Catering for events across the region.

Confluence has also become a fixture in local philanthropy. Tomchik has donated chocolate to the Adirondack Wine and Food Festival’s chef competitions, where he said every winning recipe that year included Confluence chocolate, as well as to the Dake Foundation and other regional events. The company is also in early talks to support a Ballston Spa school fundraiser this fall and has contributed to local school productions.

“The local community has been behind me so much with it,” Tomchik said.

Tomchik credits much of Confluence’s early growth to relationships built through the Ballston Spa Professional Business Association, where local business owners began selling his chocolate on consignment before it ever appeared online. He said fellow chocolate makers, including craft producers who have visited from as far away as Spain, have treated Confluence as a colleague rather than a competitor in an industry still finding its footing in the region.

“It’s not competition. It’s more like developing the appetite for it,” he said.

Looking ahead, Tomchik plans to launch ticketed tasting events this fall in partnership with area wineries, breweries and a distillery.

He also continues to develop new products, including a bourbon-infused chocolate made in collaboration with a local distillery. Wholesale inquiries can be directed to Tomchik at chris@ confluencechocolate.com, and retail orders can be placed online at confluencechocolate.com, with local pickup available at Nourish Designs in Ballston Spa.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 5

SPECIAL SECTION

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

HOME Showcase Of Homes

New Saratoga Branch Supports Thomas Pest Services’ Growth Across Northern Markets

Continued From Page 1

A home by Witt Construction in Phyllian’s Bluff is featured in the 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, highlighting energy-efficient design, high-performance systems and efficient construction.

Courtesy Showcase of Homes

after covering event costs.

John Witt of Witt Construction in Saratoga Springs helped launch the Showcase when he was president of the Builders Association more than three decades ago. “It feels good,” Witt said. “We’re going to be pushing a couple million bucks in a couple of years.”

The 30th anniversary edition adds a workforce development component, with BOCES students building an Adirondack-style greenhouse on display at the event and students constructing planters on the opening Saturday at the Trojanski Custom Builders home site — part of a broader Saratoga Builders Association effort to introduce younger generations to the trades.

Beyond the charitable mission, the Showcase has come to reflect shifts in what builders are doing — and what buyers are beginning to expect — in new residential construction.

Two of this year’s featured homes illustrate how far the standard of practice has moved on energy efficiency, building systems and materials.

Dave Trojanski of Trojanski Custom Builders, based in Saratoga, is presenting a home in the Grand Highlands development off Eastline Road. The house integrates what Trojanski describes as a comprehensive approach to efficiency — starting with the building envelope. Spray foam insulation brings the walls to R-24 and the ceilings to R-50, with the garage and lower level insulated to the same standard. Eighteen separate HVAC zones allow room-by-room temperature control, and

the air conditioning system operates at 20 SEER — well above the code minimum of 14.

“The higher you go, the better it is,” Trojanski said of the SEER rating, which measures the seasonal energy efficiency of a cooling unit. The home’s heating system combines high-efficiency radiant boilers for primary heat with electric heat pumps as backup. Two heat recovery ventilators continuously cycle fresh air through the tightly sealed structure — a feature Trojanski called essential in high-performance homes. “The house brings its own air,” he said.

The structural framing itself is another differentiator. Trojanski uses engineered lumber throughout — LSLs and TJIs for floor systems and timber strand for exterior walls, an engineered product manufactured domestically by Weyerhaeuser. “It’s forever straight,” he said. “You don’t get any bowing or flexing in the wall systems.” For buyers weighing the upfront cost of these specifications, Trojanski said education is central to his pitch. “We educate them on why we do it,” he said. “The longevity of the home performance — that’s a big part of it.”

John Witt Construction is presenting a home in Phyllian’s Bluff, a conservation subdivision near Saratoga Lake that surrounds Old Tavern Farm, a working vineyard. The home’s setting — wooded views on the first lot in, adjacent to a property that produces wine from Washington state, California and local grapes — is distinctive, but it is the Continued On Page 10

New York State Sen. Jim Tedisco (right) presents a New York State Senate Citation to Thomas Pest Services owners Bill Thomas and Sarah Thomas-Clark at the grand opening of the Saratoga Springs branch.

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL Thomas Pest Services is continuing to build its client base north of the Capital District with a newly opened branch office in Saratoga Springs.

According to co-owner Sarah ThomasClark, the company’s service area now extends from Ulster in the Hudson Valley to the Catskills and Adirondacks, and beyond Saratoga into the North Country.

“My husband, Bill, and I started the company in our basement in 2010, so it is a very full-circle moment to come back to the Saratoga market, after moving headquarters to Albany,” she said.

There is a service manager at the new branch who oversees a team of seven to 12 technicians specializing in pest control and pest prevention for residential and commercial customers.

“This is a strategic move in that the team members live in such towns as Corinth, Ballston Lake, and Sacandaga Lake region,” she said. “They won’t have to drive to Albany for their weekly meeting or to pick up supplies, so they can get to their next cus-

Courtesy Thomas Pest Services

tomer sooner.”

“Now they have an extra 30 minutes a day to do an add-on service or address a new customer’s need,” said Thomas-Clark.

The company currently has 75 employees, including management, sales and service.

“How we went from two in the basement to a staff of 75 in 15 years really comes down to our people,” she said. “We couldn’t do what we do without our team.”

Thomas-Clark said that as a small, family-owned business, she and her husband “try to treat everyone like family.”

“The workplace focuses around core values that guide all our decisions and interactions, both in the field and within the company,” she said. “This culture creates opportunity for employees to feel at home and to advance their careers.”

“These values have truly trickled down to our people through training, support, leadership, and community involvement,” said Thomas-Clark. “And that trickles down into the services we provide for customers.”

Continued On Page 9

6 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026

Fitness / Nutrition Hotworx To Open Saratoga Springs Pinnacle Nutrition Marks Five Years Studio With Infrared Fitness Workouts With Science-Driven Wellness Approach

Hotworx owner Wendy Martin (left) and Saratoga studio manager Jacob Lehning stand inside the Maple Commons location, which will offer infrared and traditional fitness workouts when it opens next month.

BY ROD BACON People looking to keep physically fit will soon have a new option in Saratoga Springs.

A Hotworx fitness spa will open next month in Maple Commons, offering infrared and traditional exercise regimens.

According to the Hotworx website, exercising in an infrared environment allows heat to penetrate deeper into muscle tissue, aids in the removal of metabolic waste products, amplifies caloric burn, reduces muscle and joint pain, and enhances mental focus and relaxation.

Owner Wendy Martin became interested in infrared saunas after contracting Lyme disease and developing arthritis in her large joints. She bought a traditional sauna for her home and found it eased her symptoms but did not eliminate them. She later discovered Hotworx and opened a Delmar location in April 2025.

“There are so many health benefits to an infrared workout,” she said. “The dry heat helps to detox the body and relax the muscles. For example, we have firefighters at the Delmar facility who might have been in a smoky fire and they say they can actually feel the toxins coming out of their bodies within ten minutes.”

Martin believes Saratoga Springs’ active, health-

Courtesy Hotworx

conscious population will respond to those benefits.

“I knew Saratoga would be a great market because people here live a very active, healthy lifestyle,” she said.

Members will have 20-hour access using a keyless entry code on their phones. Classes are virtually instructed and available throughout the day. Eleven 15-minute classes offer workouts on stationary bikes, rowers and an elliptical machine that addresses every part of the body. Hot Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Stretch and the Functional Exercise Zone (FX) use bands, weights, kettlebells and ropes to sculpt the body. Eight individual saunas accommodate three people each for infrared workouts.

Hotworx guidelines recommend sauna temperatures not exceed 130 degrees, compared with 150 to 195 degrees in traditional Finnish saunas.

“It’s more of a dry heat than traditional saunas so it’s much more comfortable and maintainable for the time people are in it,” said Jacob Lehning, manager of the Saratoga studio.

Although there are no in-person instructors, personnel will be on-site to answer questions and help clients begin their exercise regimens. Martin plans to hire six employees for those duties.

“It’s a good system because you’re not running Continued On Page 7

Superior Customer Service Competitive Rates

Tax Filing

Direct Deposit

Garnishment Services w

401(k)/Simple IRA Reporting

Workers' Comp "Pay by Pay"

Consult No

518-363-0600 priorityonepayroll.com

YOUR PAYROLL, OUR PRIORITY

WOMAN OWNED, LOCALLY SERVICED

Lindsay Ferrara, founder of Pinnacle Nutrition in Saratoga Springs, marks five years helping clients improve health through personalized nutrition, metabolic testing and composition analysis.

BY SUSAN EIISE CAMPBELL Lindsay Ferrara founded Pinnacle Nutrition, PLLC five years ago to help people of any age improve their weight, health and lives through personalized, science-backed nutrition.

Strategically, not much has changed in her business model. But she said she is finding there is more “nutrition noise out there to cut through” with her clients, such as social media fads and wearable rings, watches and glucose monitors.

“People are focusing more on being healthier, feeling better and living longer,” Ferrara said. “My goal is helping them understand what information out there actually pertains to them and deciding which steps to take.”

By the time clients come to her, most have already tried strategies to either gain muscle or lose body fat, she said.

“They feel like they’ve tried everything and keep getting bombarded with this fad, that wearable or a GLP-1 medication, or it’s intermittent fasting or so many grams of protein,” said Ferrara.

“But the algorithms of social media don’t know what your body needs.”

Pinnacle Nutrition builds on five metabolic pillars: sleep, hydration, stress level, strength and fuel.

To determine what balance a client needs for their body, Ferrara uses data from metabolic testing and body composition analysis. The former measures resting energy expenditure to determine calorie targets for weight loss, muscle gain or maintenance. Body mass index is the amount of muscle, fat and water in the body and provides

Saratoga Business Journal

benchmarks for future health.

“The InBody analysis allows us to track body composition in a healthy way and takes emphasis off the scale,” she said.

Some clients have restricted their diet for so long that they hit a weight loss plateau and “their body won’t budge,” she said.

“They are blown away when I have them start eating more,” said Ferrara. “With the right nutrition plan, food makes the body feel safe and not starving.”

“But even if the number on the scale doesn’t change, they see their body finally let go of some fat, because they are getting enough calories to exercise and start building muscle,” she said.

“Health is optimized by maintaining muscle and fuel.”

Ferrara is a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of experience using metabolic and nutritional tools to improve overall wellness. A newer tool, GLP-1 medications that control blood sugar and appetite, is one she has “loosened her stance on,” she said.

“I saw some of my friends go on them and realized they are a helpful tool for many,” Ferrara said.

“But they do not negate the need for a dietician.”

Instead, there is an opportunity to talk to clients who are on these medications or considering them to ensure they are testing body composition and not losing muscle. Thus, the perfect time to learn better eating habits is before starting a GLP1 medication, Ferrara said.

“Some are losing weight and feeling confident,” Continued On Page 7

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 7

Pinnacle Nutrition

Saratoga Racing Meet

Continued From Page 6

she said. “But like people who take cholesterol medication and then eat whatever they like, you have to be making healthy choices and lifestyle changes, not just putting on a bandaid.”

Ferrara believes her services are relevant for those who want to try a GLP-1 medication and “don’t want to lose weight too quickly or lose the muscle they have worked hard to achieve.”

The composition of Ferrara’s client base has not changed much even with a growing market of GLP-1 users but has remained fairly constant among individuals in their late 20s to early 50s.

About 65% of her clients are perimenopausal women, and Ferrara is certified by the Perry Academy to help midlife women optimize their hormones, eat more fiber, keep moving and, if they have severe symptoms, get more help as needed.

Ferrara is also helping more teenagers than ever, she said.

“I have teenagers myself and saw one or two teens as a favor for a friend,” she said. “The word got out I was providing valuable information.”

Parents are concerned that their teenagers are bombarded with weight loss myths and trendy diets, and Ferrara said she is being asked to teach them about proper nutrition. She does not work with active eating disorders because she is not certified.

“It really hits home that a growing teenager’s needs to maintain metabolism are at a certain point. If they restrict beyond that, they will be doing themselves more harm than good,” she said.

Hotworx

Continued From Page 6 into inconsistent coaching or different energies because it’s all virtual,” said Lehning. “The classes are all filmed beforehand and played back on a large screen as people do the class.”

Martin emphasized that the videos are not generated by artificial intelligence.

“The instructors have to compete nationally every year to be in these videos,” said Martin. “Hotworx members and the general public can vote annually on who will instruct the classes.”

The concept that became Hotworx was launched

by Stephen P. Smith, MA, as Planet Beach in 1996 and rebranded as Hotworx in 2016. The first franchise opened in Oxford, Mississippi. Today, there are more than 800 franchisees in the United States, with other locations or agreements in Ireland, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Mexico and Guam. Depending on location, franchises cost $252,200 to $1,083,310. The company recommends studios range from 1,700 to 2,500 square feet.

B/W Copies Color Copies

Continued From Page 1

Ferrara said she is not changing her marketing to reach more of this age group but is thinking of working with a company to address social media.

Meanwhile, she is “coasting on word-of-mouth” and planning to hire one person. A “dream in the back of her mind” is to expand in New York, perhaps to Clifton Park.

To push business forward at this five-year milestone, Ferrara obtained her personal training certification, which she will introduce into her practice soon. She is now qualified to give clients workouts and do VO2 max testing to measure how much oxygen their body absorbs during intense exercise.

“This tells me how a person is burning carbohydrates versus fats,” she said. “It answers, what is your maximum heart rate at which your body switches over to fat-burning mode.”

“In time, the body begins to prefer burning body fat than muscle or carbohydrates,” she said.

“You can actually see that threshold as you are monitoring.”

Many dietitians do what Ferrara does, she said, but combining metabolic testing and InBody scanning technologies gives a professional more valuable personal information than a client could provide over a virtual visit. She does followups through her client portal and communicates personalized meal planning through the EatLove app.

Pinnacle Nutrition is at 15 Maple Dell in Saratoga Springs. Visit Instagram or pinnaclenutritionny.com for more information.

Martin said her Delmar studio is 2,400 square feet, compared with 1,900 square feet in Saratoga.

The franchisor targets adults ages 20 to 35, Martin said, but her Delmar experience shows people of all ages use the facility.

“In Delmar in the beginning we had about eightyfive percent women, but now men are starting to realize that this is a concept for them too,” she said. “In Saratoga, so far, it’s split right down the middle.”

Martin targeted more than 1,000 members for the Saratoga studio and has signed up more than 200 before opening.

In addition to operating two Hotworx franchises, Martin owns Energy Partner Consultants LLC, a consulting firm that helps large corporations reduce energy costs. The company has also developed one of the largest renewable natural gas projects for a cluster of farms near Batavia, New York. Ten farms clean and compress gas and inject it into the pipeline.

A personal trainer, Lehning has worked at several area gyms and others elsewhere in the country.

For more information about the Hotworx studio in Saratoga Springs, go to hotworx.net.

Everyday Low Prices NO Surprises

Full Service Print, Copy & Direct Mailing Center

518-371-4649

Fax 518-371-1554 PrintGraphicsShop.com

12 Fire Road Clifton Park, NY 12065

printproduction@aol.com

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

Build the future of your dreams with us.

At Edward Jones, we’re in it for the long haul. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you celebrate life’s biggest milestones. Let us help you work toward them.

Let’s start building the future today.

Eric Snell

Financial Advisor 34 Congress St Suite 102 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-583-7875 EJB-8652F-A-E-AD AECSPAD 29562134

said Darryl Leggieri, Discover Saratoga president. “Visitors are increasingly experiencing Saratoga as much more than the track including SPAC, downtown, dining and shopping, outdoor recreation and the many events happening throughout the county.”

August data was not immediately available, but July numbers showed encouraging trends. “Average daily visitor spending increased year-over-year, suggesting that visitors who came to Saratoga were engaging more deeply with the destination and spending more while they were here,” Leggieri said. “Outdoor recreation increased from 19 percent to 26 percent of visitor activity year-over-year. That reinforces the fact that visitors are discovering more of the overall Saratoga County experience.”

Metropolitan New York continues to be the largest visitor market, accounting for roughly one-third of all visits, but Syracuse showed noticeable growth, too.

Looking ahead, Leggieri said he’s optimistic about the upcoming fall, winter and spring 2027 seasons because the Spa City is a popular choice for meetings, conventions, weddings and group business.

“Saratoga doesn’t simply shut down when the racing meet ends,” Leggieri said. “That year-round diversification has been a major focus for us.”

Key performance metrics such as average daily rate and revenue per available room were down throughout the county and in Saratoga Springs in July, but room demand was up. “That is an important distinction,” Leggieri said. “Visitors are still coming and generating overnight stays, even in a market with changing supply and pricing dynamics.

From a destination standpoint, continued growth in demand is a positive indicator of Saratoga County’s overall appeal.”

“We believe the last three years of hosting the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival introduced Saratoga to new audiences and provided extraordinary national exposure,” he said. “Many people experienced Saratoga for

the first time. The opportunity now is to turn that exposure into future visitation and give those visitors reasons to return throughout the year.”

One of the biggest initiatives planned for 2027 is a 250th anniversary observance of the Battles of Saratoga, which proved to be a major turning point in the American Revolution. Numerous events and activities are in the works to commemorate the battles of Sept. 19 and Oct. 7, 1777, followed by the surrender of British Gen. John Burgoyne’s army on Oct. 17.

Saratoga Race Course will revert to its traditional 40-day summer meet next year as the Belmont Stakes and July Fourth racing festivals return to Belmont Park in New York.

“As for fewer race dates, we always knew it was temporary, but it was an incredible threeyear opportunity for Saratoga, and we believe the benefits will continue well beyond those three years,” Leggieri said.

Among the other highlights from this summer’s meet, Manny Franco claimed the Angel Cordero Jr. title as leading rider; Chad Brown captured the H. Allen Jerkens training title; and Klaravich Stables secured the meet’s leading owner title.

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher earned his 6,000th career victory in North America when Versailles Road captured the finale on Whitney Day. Also, jockeys Luis Saez and Hall of Famer Javier Castellano reached significant career milestones by recording the 4,000th and 6,000th victories of their respective careers.

“Local business owners from our retail and hospitality sectors report that it was a busy summer in Saratoga, and city sales tax collections were up this year through June and July versus prior years,” said Todd Shimkus, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president. “The question everyone’s now asking is ‘What do we do to top this in 2027?’

That is perhaps the best indicator of how vital the summer meet is to our local and regional economy.”

8 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026

REGIONAL STOCKWATCH PROVIDED BY: ROBERT SCHERMERHORN, CFP

18 DIVISION ST.-SUITE 305, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866 (518) 584-2555

SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH: LPL FINANCIAL / MEMBER: FINRA AND SIPC

Stock Name

Closing Price Closing Price 8/14/2026 8/21/2026

Closing Price 8/28/2026

Closing Price 9/04/2026

Closing Price 9/11/2026

Albany International

64.87

59.10

58.35

62.43

60.28

Arrow Financial

39.25

38.48

38.16

39.57

39.15

AT & T Inc.

24.89

25.29

26.01

25.68

26.06

Ball Corporation

61.82

63.59

63.77

62.67

59.90

79.99

82.92

82.92

80.20

80.20

Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc Bank of America

64.49

61.69

62.32

62.68

62.69

Best Buy Co., Inc

86.42

85.89

82.44

90.27

90.80

Citizens Financial

74.73

69.86

69.71

70.78

70.48

Espey Manufacturing & Electronics Corp

64.09

64.78

62.19

63.35

63.69

GE Aerospace

368.38

348.37

342.58

337.12

323.66

Hilton Worldwide

327.21

326.63

321.85

311.18

306.19

The Home Depot, Inc.

338.86

335.61

330.19

321.05

308.74

International Paper

40.74

41.49

39.31

37.24

34.36

KeyCorp

23.31

21.87

21.91

22.18

21.84

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 218.47

216.09

208.05

204.45

196.82

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

547.93

534.92

531.05

514.77

509.96

M&T Bank Corporation

254.09

240.34

237.29

239.84

239.83

McDonald’s

272.83

270.95

265.00

255.69

252.53

National Grid Plc

81.05

79.76

79.35

78.12

76.86

NBT Bancorp Inc.

53.56

52.09

51.55

52.27

51.73

Plug Power Inc.

2.32

2.27

2.19

2.17

2.10

Starbucks Corporation

107.69

107.08

107.85

104.47

98.74

Sysco Corporation

82.99

84.10

81.94

80.05

83.21

Latham Group, Inc.

7.32

7.03

7.08

7.10

6.32

Target Corporation

154.48

165.44

163.18

164.44

155.83

The TorontoDominion Bank

124.36

117.15

121.25

121.63

120.97

Trustco Bank Corp NY

57.35

56.83

57.13

57.92

58.45

Verizon

48.48

49.45

50.10

50.14

50.61

Walmart Inc.

115.27

103.70

103.09

107.14

107.15

*Data sourced from Morningstar **Stock investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal. This is for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendation for any individual.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

182 S Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

FOR SALE | $1,390,000

Opportunity knocks at 182 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs. A charming two story brick building sitting on a large lot with parking, rear access, and potential fo f r more. This property is in the NC (T5) zoning with a wide variety of uses fr f om single fa f mily residential to 5 story mixed-use development. Right between a great local restaurant and a newly renovated hotel this property has great visibility fo f r any use. Showings by appointment only, do not bother the current tenants.

Current tenant is a Salon and Spa, two apartments have been vacant fo f r many years.

Dan Roohan | Associate Real Estate Broker | (518) 527.7895

227 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

FOR SALE | $2,500,000

Fantastic, mixed-use investment opportunity in Saratoga Springs! Add this beautifu f lly fu maintained, 7,700 SF asset to your portfo f lio. Built in 2015 on a .36 acre lot, this 2-story fo property off ffe ff fers fl f exible use and currently has two commercial tenants and three residential apartments. Modern infr f astructure including 200-amp electric, central air, natural gas heat, fr and public water/sewer with enhanced accessibility fe f atures add value fo f r medical and profe f ssional tenants. Lighted private parking lot with 17 spaces and carport. fe

Megan Brenenstuhl | Lic. Real Estate Salesperson | (859) 533.1236 Amy Sutton | Associate Real Estate Broker | (518) 527.3564

•

Business Report

•

IRS Mileage Change Requires Careful Recordkeeping

PROVIDED BY JEANNINE DUBIAC, FPC Most business owners have enough on their plate without worrying about mileage reimbursement rates. However, a recent IRS change deserves attention because it could create bookkeeping and payroll headaches if overlooked.

Effective July 1, 2026, the IRS increased the optional standard business mileage rate from 72.5 cents per mile to 76 cents per mile. The optional rates for medical and certain qualifying moving purposes also increased, while the charitable mileage rate remains unchanged at 14 cents per mile.

At first glance, a few extra cents per mile may not seem significant. However, because the change occurred in the middle of the year, businesses and self-employed individuals now need to track mileage using two different rates for 2026.

A business trip taken on June 30 remains subject to the first-half rate, even if the employee submits the reimbursement request in July. Mileage incurred beginning July 1 is subject to the revised rate.

Why This Matters As a payroll provider, we help employers navigate regulatory changes, tax updates and compliance requirements every day. What we frequently find is that some of the smallest administrative details can create the biggest year-end challenges.

A midyear mileage rate increase can affect employee mileage reimbursements, business expense reporting, payroll processing, accounting records and tax deductions for self-employed individuals.

If reimbursement systems, spreadsheets or accounting software are not updated correctly, businesses may inadvertently underpay or overpay mileage reimbursements and create additional reconciliation work later.

The Importance of Good Recordkeeping Accurate mileage records have always been important, but they become even more critical when different rates apply within the same tax year. A reliable mileage log should include: Date of travel Starting location and destination Business purpose of the trip Total miles driven Supporting notes when necessary For business owners, employees and selfemployed individuals alike, maintaining records throughout the year is far easier than trying to recreate them during tax season.

Understanding the Different Mileage Categories Not all mileage is treated the same by the IRS. Business mileage, medical mileage, charitable mileage and certain qualifying moving expenses each have their own rules and rates. Personal commuting between home and a regular workplace is generally considered personal mileage and is not deductible.

The IRS standard mileage rate is commonly used as a benchmark for reimbursements and deductions, but employers should review their own reimbursement policies and consult a qualified adviser regarding the tax treatment of reimbursements and applicable business rules.

A Midyear Opportunity to Review Internal Processes This IRS update also serves as a reminder for employers to review their reimbursement proce-

Jeannine Dubiac, FPC, is a partner at Priority One Payroll, LLC. Courtesy Priority One Payroll, LLC

dures and internal controls. Many businesses have mileage reimbursement policies that were established years ago and may not have been revisited recently. A simple review today can prevent unnecessary work later.

Employer Action Items for 2026 Review written mileage reimbursement policies.

Update payroll, accounting and expense-management systems to reflect the July 1 rate change.

Confirm that reimbursement forms capture the date of each trip, not just total mileage.

Communicate the new rate and effective date to employees who travel for business.

Make sure supervisors and employees responsible for approving reimbursements understand which rate applies.

Verify that mileage records are maintained consistently throughout the year.

These proactive steps can help reduce errors, improve documentation and ensure reimbursements are handled accurately.

The Bottom Line The 2026 mileage rate increase may seem like a small adjustment, but the midyear effective date creates an added recordkeeping responsibility. Businesses using the IRS standard mileage rate should maintain a clear separation between mileage incurred before July 1 and mileage incurred beginning July 1.

Now is a good time to review reimbursement procedures, update internal systems and remind employees about proper mileage documentation.

Addressing these details now can help prevent confusion, corrections and unnecessary administrative work later.

As with many payroll and tax-related matters, good documentation and clear communication are two of the simplest ways to keep your business on track.

This article is based on IRS Announcement 202611, published in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2026-29. .

Readers should consult with their CPA, tax advisor, attorney, or another qualified professional regarding their specific situation.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 9

Romeo Plans Reconditioning Facility, Auto Outlet Conversion In Queensbury

BY PAUL POST Romeo Auto Group is undertaking a more than $7 million investment on Quaker Road in Queensbury, which includes upgrading its Auto Outlet to a Toyotacertified pre-owned vehicle dealership and acquiring the adjacent Garden Time property.

“Our first order of business is to build a reconditioning facility on the back of the Garden Time property,” co-owner Mike Romeo said. “When a vehicle comes in on trade and we have to service it, clean it and take pictures of it to get ready for the front line.”

Romeo’s market presence has greatly expanded in recent years with the December 2024 acquisition of Whiteman Chevrolet on Dix Avenue in Glens Falls, in addition to Ford and Subaru dealerships in Saratoga Springs in March 2025.

It also owns a full-fledged Toyota dealership on Broad Street in Glens Falls and Carriage Traders in South Glens Falls, where Romeo’s father, Len, and his partner, Jim Zappone, started the business in 1982.

“We’re definitely in a growth mode,” Mike said.

But he said there are no plans to move any current dealership or start a new one at the Garden Time nursery property fronting Quaker Road.

“There’s a lot of rumors flying around, but for the foreseeable future we’re not building any dealerships over there,” he said. “Nobody believes that, but it’s the truth. We bought it because it’s great real estate on a busy road in Queensbury. Eventually I’m sure we’ll do something there, but not for the foreseeable future.”

Acquisition of two Quaker Road properties totaling 14 acres cost $4.25 million alone. Romeo bought its Auto Outlet site, which it had been leasing, from James Barrett for $1.75 million. Garden Time’s property went for $2.5 million.

In addition, Romeo will spend up to $3.5 million converting its Auto Outlet into a Toyota-certified pre-owned business and building the new vehicle reconditioning facility. Both projects are scheduled for completion in 2027.

Garden Time is expected to cease operations on Quaker Road this fall or winter.

But its owners have already begun clearing land on Route 9 in Moreau, just south of Exit 17, for a new venture called Garden World LLC. Plans call for a business similar to their current Garden Time Outdoor Structures at Exit 16 in Wilton.

Garden Time’s owner discussed the proposal at the Moreau Town Planning Board’s August meeting. According to meeting minutes, he said the site has two zones, one commercial and one residential, and

Romeo Auto Outlet in Queensbury is slated for conversion to a Toyota-certified dealership.

Courtesy Paul Post

they’re working with the town to have it rezoned.

“They want to put their garden sheds on display, (an) office building and equipment storage building,” minutes say.

There will be no greenhouses or sale of plants and flowers. It is strictly for outdoor product displays and sales.

A public hearing is scheduled for Sept.

21.

Garden Time, one of the area’s most popular nursery centers, was founded in 1975.

Its closure is part of a nationwide green industry trend that’s seeing family-owned, independent nurseries sell their high-value property to other types of businesses.

Quaker Road is one of Warren County’s busiest commercial corridors, with numerous auto dealerships and related firms such as tire stores and a Hoffman Car Wash.

Retail outlets and medical groups are actively competing for remaining sites, including the well-known Heidelberg Restaurant property, listed with Coldwell Banker Prime Properties for $550,000.

In addition to Saratoga and Warren counties, Romeo Auto Group has six more dealerships in the Kingston area, overseen

by Mike’s brother, Joseph. The company employs more than 700 people.

Mike said the current Auto Outlet on Quaker Road will look like a Toyota store with a large Toyota sign out front when the site’s conversion is done. It will have several dozen Toyota vehicles for sale in addition to a range of other vehicles, from heavy-duty pickup trucks to entry-level cars.

“We hope to have it renovated by late spring,” he said.

Thomas Pet Services Continued From Page 5

The core values are in writing and “posted everywhere” — on the walls of the office, on thomaspestservices.com and in monthly internal communications, she said.

“Every month we highlight one core value in our newsletter and tie it back to people who have lived that core value throughout the month,” she said. “If you’re going to have core values, they must be a part of your constant communication.”

Many businesses in diverse industries have faced challenges hiring and retaining employees, and Thomas-Clark said that “last year we were in that boat.”

“But we feel blessed to say this year that we are not, but are excelling with the hiring,” she said. “We have learned over the years that hiring is a 365-day-a-year job.”

“We hired my sister to find staff for all four locations,” she said. “We are constantly interviewing for great talent and posting positions, because sometimes people decide pest control is not for them or they are moving on to the next stage of their career.”

“Having a bench of people to go back to has worked out very well for us, but it means being very intentional about hiring,” Thomas-Clark said. “It also means that once they get in the door that people know they have a clear path that is outlined with 30-, 60-, and 90-day goals.”

According to Thomas-Clark, some people do not think there is career growth potential at Thomas Pest Services beyond obtaining a pest control license, but there is.

“We have had technicians move on to become service managers and we do promote within,” she said.

“There is also what we do for the community to protect them from pests,” she said.

“At the end of the day it’s more than just squashing the bug.”

Two long-term team members worked for Thomas Pest Services while they were going to school and are now enjoying their new chosen careers.

“We worked around their schedule and it is bittersweet to see the move on with their degrees,” she said. “It’s also fulfilling because we gave them the building blocks to get there.”

Thomas-Clark said their market is saturated with pest control companies of all sizes, from one-person operations to national chains. All have the same goal of solving people’s bug, rodent and wildlife problems, but different companies go about it differently.

“To be honest, we focus on doing our own thing and not the noise about what other companies are offering,” she said. “And that is, we do relationship-based pest management every day to move our company forward.”

Thomas Pest Services covers a variety of markets equally, according to ThomasClark. These include interior and exterior residential and commercial work controlling ants, ticks, mosquitoes, yellow jackets and spiders, as well as rodents and mice.

They also effectively and humanely remove bats, raccoons, woodchucks and other animals and work to prevent them from returning. Personnel from one of the four branch locations do wildlife control.

Some customers use one-time services, while others have year-round maintenance contracts. It’s a misconception that pest control is a seasonal business, said ThomasClark.

“Every home is different, so each customer’s services are customized,” she said. As a result, fees for services vary “based on the size of the structure, the type of issue the customer has, and the recommendations we make.”

“Much of the work we do it invisible but that’s what we want,” she said. “If you don’t see bugs, we are doing a good job.”

Learn more about job opportunities and the full range of services available at thomaspestservices.com.

Got a question about AI? Ask Val! Mannix Marketing has a dedicated AI team that can:

• Help your business show up in AI platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT • Build AI Chatbots or Sales Agents for Your Business • Build AI systems to streamline operations • And more!

Contact Valleri with your questions about AI and how it can help your business.

518-636-5694

valleri@MannixMarketing.com Mannnix Ad for SS SBJ & GFBJ.indd 1

12/15/20 2:32 PM

10 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026

The Inn at Saratoga Saratoga Springs’ Oldest Continuous Operating Lodging House

Built in 1843, private events at the Inn feature: Seasonal choice between our Victorian Ballroom or Garden Courtyard

Private bars & sophisticated chef prepared menus Discounted room blocks for your guests Breakfast buffet each morning

Dedicated event manager

Casual Dining And Restaurants In And Around Saratoga Springs New York After a long day of shopping in Saratoga or a day visiting area attractions, you'll probably work up quite an appetite! Saratoga Springs has become well known for its many wonderful restaurants featuring a variety of diverse cuisines, dining options and styles. The Saratoga Region is home to many fantastic restaurants which includes those right here in the heart of the city of as well as those near Saratoga Springs.

Carson's Woodside Tavern

With spectacular views of Saratoga Lake and the Vermont mountains, our cozy dining room and gorgeous new Lakeview Room are the perfect spots for great food, drinks, and entertainment. Only 7 miles from Saratoga Spring.

We're serving up an irresistible assortment of American fare that includes sandwiches, hot and cold, wraps, excellent burgers, the perfect prime rib, delicious steaks and so much more. And of course, we have house-made soups daily, a wide variety of side and entree salads, and vegan and gluten-free options. In other words, there's something for everyone at Carson's! Plus we offer Happy Hour in the bar every Monday and Wednesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m.

The Brook Tavern

We specialize in weddings, holiday parties, family events, and coorporate meetings.

www.theinnatsaratoga.com 231 Broadway | Saratoga Springs | NY

518-583-1890

Just a short walk from the Saratoga Race Course and walking distance from Congress Park, The Brook Tavern is a favorite neighborhood gathering spot nestled at the intersection of Union and Nelson Ave., right in the heart of historic Saratoga Springs.

Taking the entire first floor of what was once an 1800’s horse carriage factory, the bar and restaurant has a warm and upbeat interior that tastefully combines hints of nostalgia with contemporary style.

The Brook Tavern offers both casual and more formal dining, and can meet the needs of the local who wants to stop in for a plate of oysters and a craft beer, families with children, or larger dinner parties who want to migrate from the historic bar to the clubby or more formal dining room.

Wheatfields Restaurant

You can't go wrong with freshly made pasta prepared right on-site using local ingredients! But Wheatfields is much more than pasta: Patrons rave about the hand-stretched pizza, the salmon entrée,

PRIVATE BARREL SELECTION — ONLY AT PURDY’S — Private barrels are hand-selected, single barrels chosen for standout flavor and character. We offer 20+ exclusive private barrel selections across bourbon, gin, and tequila —each curated by our staff and available only at Purdy’s.

SHOP ONLINE FOR LOCAL DELIVERY & PICK-UP AT A PURDYSWINE.COM

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL FOR TASTINGS, EXCLUSIV EXCLUSIVE DEALS & MOR MORE

and the fried calamari appetizer, to name a few.

Wheatfields supports local farmers, wineries, and area products, bringing the finest the region has to offer to its guests. The pasta is handcrafted daily with options including chicken rigi, chicken sausage scarpetta, radiatori pesto, mac and cheese, sausage and mac cheese, ziti with three meatballs, and lasagna. Entree options comprise steak, chicken, and seafood dishes, and the to-die-for woodstone pizza comes in five varieties with optional add-ons of whole wheat or gluten-free crust.

The Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill

The Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill in Saratoga Springs, NY offers year-round dining, weekend brunch, live music, and private events. Located near Saratoga Race Course, it’s a go-to spot for great food and entertainment.

The Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill offers a diverse menu designed to satisfy a variety of cravings, whether guests are stopping in for a full meal or a quick bite. The kitchen focuses on approachable, crowd-pleasing dishes.

Dock Brown's Lakeside Tavern and Beach Bar

Dock Brown's Lakeside Tavern offers an inviting atmosphere and lakeside dining right on Saratoga Lake. They specialize in upscale pub fare, unique craft beers, specialty artisan cocktails, and they often have live music or special events going on.

Dock Brown's Lakeside Tavern takes pub fare you know and love and kicks it up a notch for a unique, upscale twist on your favorites. Explore the variety of burgers offered for dinner or lunch, hearty dinner entrees like the black Angus NY strip steak, and a selection of tempting sandwiches like a turkey bacon raspberry wrap or smoked pulled pork.

Showcase Of Homes Continued From Page 7

building systems that Witt emphasized.

Like Trojanski, Witt relies on spray foam insulation as the foundation of his efficiency strategy, bringing roof assemblies to R-60 — above what New York state code requires.

“It’s like a foam blanket around the house,” he said. The heating and cooling system pairs a high-efficiency gas furnace with electric heat pumps. The heat pumps handle most of the load until outdoor temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point the gas furnace takes over. “Economically wise, that’s where it makes sense,” Witt said.

Witt, who built a net-zero home for himself several years ago and heated the entire season using heat pumps powered by solar, said he remains cautious about all-electric systems for clients given the cost of electricity in the region. “I experimented with a house just electric heat pump for a client and their bills were just terribly expensive,” he said.

The hybrid approach in this year’s Showcase home reflects that calculation.

Both builders noted that as homes are sealed more tightly for energy performance, mechanical ventilation becomes non-negotiable. HRV systems — heat recovery ventilators — bring in continuous fresh air without sacrificing the thermal efficiency of the building envelope. “It’s like living in a house with a window slid open,” Witt said. “Because the house is so tight.”

For Potoker, the 30-year arc of the Showcase captures the industry’s evolution as clearly as any trade publication. Energy codes have tightened, engineered materials have replaced dimensional lumber in structural applications and smart controls have moved into the mainstream. “These homes do reflect that,” Witt said of where residential construction is headed.

Full event details, builder listings and ticket purchasing information are available at saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 11

Saratoga Federal Credit Union Continued From Page 1

else”.

To establish the branch, Saratoga Federal entered into a lease for a two-lot site featuring a former bank and an adjoining drive-thru ATM facility that had remained vacant for five years.

The landlord acquired the property for $300,000, substantially less than the estimated $1.5 million cost to construct a new facility from the ground up. To facilitate the reopening, municipal officials across Gloversville and Johnstown carried out expedited building inspections.

Saratoga Federal hired an all-local, five-person staff. “We put together a team that belongs to the town,” Denofio said. Fulton County native Taran O’Brien handles community outreach, while branch manager Misty, who lives one mile away, previously managed a local KeyBank branch.

Unlike commercial banks that rely on automated scoring systems, Saratoga Federal “looks at different things to underwrite, and that’s that’s where the key is,” says Denofio. He cites a case in which the credit union approved a 5.75% auto loan for a borrower with no credit score. While this may seem risky, delinquencies across the $60 million-asset credit union total just $45,000 across five loans.

Regarding Warren and Washington counties, Denofio explained that Saratoga Federal has not opened standalone physical branches there because shared branch networks, ATMs and digital banking serve members effectively. Denofio notes that shared branching provides a physical

presence without building costs, especially with many residents commuting toward Saratoga daily.

Instead of building new branches in those counties, Saratoga Federal may consider mergers with smaller credit unions.

Looking ahead, Denofio revealed that “South Glens Falls is the potential future location that we would be looking at because it really has the criteria that took us to Gloversville.” The Saratoga County village, adjacent to Warren and Washington counties, serves as a key community for residents working and enjoying leisure time in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs, with easy access to the entire tri-county area.

“Another reason I looked at South Glens Falls is because it’s again a competition thing,” Denofio said. “If you go into Queensbury, be prepared to fight. “We avoid competition at all costs because we have a market that no one else wants,” Denofio said.

He has explored storefronts in South Glens Falls along Route 9, noting that any site must accommodate drive-thru service.

In conclusion, Denofio noted that credit unions under $50 million in assets struggle to compete against multibillion-dollar institutions, making it critical to think outside the box.

“You can’t go head-to-head with them, so you shouldn’t try,” Denofio said. “That’s why we look at it differently”.

More information on Saratoga Federal Credit Union is available at saratogafcu.org.

•

Available Commercial & Residential Properties We’d like to promote your commercial or residential property. Call us, 581-0600.

NEW LISTING!

BOUTIQUE HOTEL, RESTAURANT & EVENTS

FRIENDS LAKE INN CHESTERTOWN, NEW YORK

17 BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED ROOMS

ACCLAIMED DINING

IMPRESSIVE WINE CELLAR

WEDDINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS

A well-established, four-season destination near Lake George and Gore Mountain with significant upside for a hands-on owner-operator.

A RARE OPPORTUNITY IN THE HEART OF THE ADIRONDACKS

CALL MITCH FOR DETAILS

617-610-7774

mitch@muroff hospitality.com

63 Putnam Street, Suite 202, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Jason George Owner

www.rpmcapitalregion.com

518-290-1448

9 ROL O LIN OL ING IN NG BR B OOK O DRIVE OK VE, VE E, SA S RATOGA G SP GA SPR PRIN ING NGS GS, S, NY 12866 286 2866

O’CONNOR

CONSTRUCTION Quality Construction, Trusted Results.

Perched atop a private 2 acre hilltop lot in sought aft ft f er Meadowbrook neighborhood, this custom home off ffe ff fers the perfe f ct blend of luxury fe ry, ry y, privacy, y y, and convenience. This 4 bed, 3.5 bath home is designed fo f r both entertaining and comfo fo ab ry f rtab a le every r day living. Bright open-concept living spaces are enhanced by fr tu ff f esh interior paint. Featu t res include a private off ffi fice ideal fo f r remote work, along with a fo f rmal dining room and sitting room. The threeseason room off ff fu nj ffe fers a peacefu f l retreat where you can relax and enj n oy the beauty of the surrounding natu t ral landscap tu a e in every ap r season. Upstairs, the luxurious ry primary r suite with an insulated fr ry f ee-standing bathtu tub tu ub,serves as a tru r e sanctu ru t ary tu ry, ry y, complete with vaulted ceilings and a beautifu f lly renovated spa-inspired bath fu designed fo f r ultimate relaxation. This exceptional property is just minutes fr f om Saratoga National Golf Club ub u , Saratoga Lake, Saratoga Race Course, vibrant downtown Saratoga Springs, and convenient access to I-87.

Kate R. Naughton | Associate Real Estate Broker | (518) 441.8527

Over 120 years of excellence serving the Upstate Glens Falls area. Experience quality and reliability in every project.

• Full-Service Sports Courts • Commercial Paving • Retaining Walls • Site Development • GPS Modeling • Land Clearing & Demolition

518-792-4090 • pat@etoconnor.com WWW.ETOCONNOR.COM

•

12 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 2026

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL HOMES VISIT 13 HOMES FROM 12 BUILDERS!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! October 3-4 & October 10-11

SCAN TO BUY TICKETS

PARTICIPATING BUILDERS Amedore Homes | Barbera Homes/Park West LLC | Belmonte Builders | BT Land Development Kodiak Construction | Kohler Homes | Homes by Malta Development | Spa City Builders Talarico Construction | Trojanski Builders | Urvalek Builders | Witt Construction Showcase Proceeds Benefit:

saratogashowcaseofhomes.com

Ready to grow?

WE’VE GOT THE FINANCING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Your SBA Preferred Lender As an SBA Preferred Lender, we have the expertise and authority to streamline your SBA loan approval process.

You’ve mapped out your next move. Now let’s help you execute it.

From equipment upgrades to second locations to commercial real estate—Adirondack Trust offers flexible financing solutions for businesses ready to grow.

• Term Loans

• Commercial Real Estate

• Lines of Credit

• Construction and Development

All loans subject to credit approval.

Ready to discuss your growth plans?

Scan the QR code or visit: AdirondackTrust.com/BigPlans Or call us at (518) 584-5844

Adirondack Trust Company 473 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866