In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with John Calabrese, President and CEO of First Source Federal Credit Union, for a conversation about leadership, community and why he believes the future of Central New York has never been brighter. From a global career with Pfizer that took him around the world to building Express Employment Professionals from the ground up, John shares the pivotal moments that shaped both his career and his philosophy on leadership.

John opens up about the decision to leave a corporate career and return home to be closer to family. He also reflects on the challenges of starting a business from scratch, navigating the uncertainty of COVID and making difficult decisions when the people counting on you matter most. Throughout the conversation, one theme keeps surfacing: servant leadership. Whether he is talking about employees, customers, or the community, John believes success comes from helping others succeed first.

We also dive into the future of First Source, the importance of financial literacy and the opportunities emerging across the Mohawk Valley. From economic development and small business growth to attracting talent and building a more diversified economy, John shares an optimistic outlook on where the region is headed. This episode is packed with practical advice, local pride and a refreshing perspective on what makes the 315 such a special place to call home.

Thank you to First Source for being a major supporter of our platform.

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(0:45) - Leaving Pfizer & Returning Home
(2:15) - Transition to Express
(3:50) - Servant Leadership & Family
(6:15) - What Brought John to First Source
(7:30) - Expanding Charter
(9:15) - Growth vs. Service
(11:05) - Community Involvement & Financial Literacy
(13:00) - Herkimer County Projects
(15:30) - AI in the Industry
(17:30) - Beyond Banking
(18:55) - Budget & Habits
(23:30) - Why CNY is Special
(25:10) - When People Think of First Source
(26:30) - Human Connection
(27:30) - Locations & Future Plans
(28:25) - Biggest Opportunity
(30:10) - Rapid Fire Questions

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John & First Source Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-calabrese-ab8a6a7

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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 Jennifer Huntley, Executive Director of Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund, an organization that has spent nearly 30 years supporting children and families facing childhood cancer across Central New York. What began as a small memorial walk in honor of a six-year-old girl named Paige has grown into a powerful mission that now serves families across 22 counties. Jennifer shares the story behind the organization, the impact of Paige’s legacy and why the work continues to matter just as much today as it did three decades ago.

This conversation shines a light on the realities families face after a childhood cancer diagnosis. Jennifer talks about the financial strain, the constant travel for treatment and the emotional toll that comes with caring for a child battling cancer. She explains how Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund steps in with immediate support, helps families build community and works closely with Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital to address the greatest needs along the journey.

We also discuss the incredible resilience of the children and families she meets every day. Jennifer shares stories that are both heartbreaking and inspiring, along with the perspective she has gained from working alongside families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength that exists in our communities and the difference people can make when they come together around a common cause.

We Discuss:
• The story of Paige and how her legacy sparked a mission that has lasted nearly 30 years
• The challenges families face after receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis
• How Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund provides financial and emotional support
• The long-term impact childhood cancer has on survivors and their families
• Ways individuals and businesses can help support children battling cancer across Central New York

This conversation is emotional, inspiring and full of perspective. It is also a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful way to help is simply to show up, spread awareness and let families know they are not facing their journey alone.

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

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(0:55) - Story of Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund
(2:30) - 30 Years Later
(3:45) - Day to Day Operations
(6:00) - How Did Jennifer Get Involved?
(7:00) - Standing Out & Spreading Awareness
(8:15) - Comfort Kits & Financial Help
(9:45) - Resilience & Community
(11:20) - Providing Some Normalcy
(12:45) - Long Term Journey
(15:20) - Powerful Moments & Success Stories
(17:15) - Are There Warning Signs?
(18:30) - Prevention & Environment Factors
(20:30) - Growth & Rebranding
(22:15) - Annual Events
(27:00) - Getting to Know the Need
(28:30) - June Run
(30:10) - Keeping Memories Alive
(32:30) - Not Bringing Work Home
(35:45) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Jennifer Huntley's Links:
Website - https://paigesccf.org
IG - https://www.instagram.com/paigeschildhoodcancerfund
FB - https://www.facebook.com/paigeschildhoodcancerfund
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/paiges-childhood-cancer-fund

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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 Daniel Clark, a US Marine Corps veteran, former Utica firefighter and paramedic, and founder of Adirondack Spirit Leadership Forge. Dan opens up about a life built around service, from growing up in a family deeply connected to education and the fire department, to serving overseas in the Marines and later working on the front lines here in Utica. What starts as a conversation about service quickly turns into a much deeper discussion about trauma, purpose, mental health and the realities many veterans and first responders face after years of carrying heavy experiences.

Dan speaks honestly about burnout, emotional regulation, fatherhood and the loneliness that can come from living through experiences most people cannot fully understand. He shares how important community, nature and open conversations have been in his own healing journey, while also talking about the need to move mental health conversations beyond crisis response and toward prevention. There are some incredibly powerful moments in this one, especially around learning how to slow down, reconnect and ask for help before things spiral too far.

We also dive into Dan’s vision for Adirondack Spirit Leadership Forge and his goal of creating a healing-focused outdoor center for veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, and community members across Central New York. From leadership retreats and mental health workshops to mentorship opportunities for young people, his focus is all about rebuilding connection in a world that often feels disconnected.

We Cover:
• Dan’s journey from the Marines to the Utica Fire Department and the impact of service
• The mental health struggles many veterans and first responders face in silence
• Why nature, community, and conversation play such a major role in healing
• The mission and future vision behind Adirondack Spirit Leadership Forge
• Supporting youth leadership, mentorship and stronger community connection in the 315

This conversation is a reminder that healing is not weakness, and that nobody is meant to carry everything alone.

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

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(0:40) - Journey of Service
(2:30) - Enlisting in the Marines
(4:15) - The Lonely Side & Trauma
(7:15) - The Moment Dan Knew
(9:30) - People Struggling Alone
(12:15) - Growing Focus on Mental Health
(13:30) - Adirondack Spirit Leadership Forge
(18:30) - Looking For a Location
(19:30) - The Vision
(23:10) - Replacing an EAP Program
(24:30) - American Legion Involvement
(26:30) - Boys State
(29:30) - Helping the Youth
(30:50) - Supporting the Mission
(31:50) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Daniel Clark's Links:
Website - https://www.adirondackspiritleadershipforgellc.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DanielClark7
FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070653181737

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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