Our 8th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast introduces the co-owner of Kreative Kitchens and Baths, Jim Blendowski!

Jer sits down with Jim to talk about how he planted his flag in the Kitchen and bath design space. Jim talks about how he became the co-owner of Kreative Kitchens and Baths when he was contacted by an old connection Steve Tarnish.

They discuss Steve and Jims approach to employee management and business operations. As well as what sets them apart in the industry.

You can also hear about what it's like working with clients creating and making their dreams come true and misconceptions clients have about showrooms.


Check out their 2 locations
5470 CAMP RD
HAMBURG, NEW YORK 14075

4997 HARLEM RD
AMHERST, NEW YORK 14226

More about Kreative Kitchens and Baths

Our 7th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast recaps the most memorable business and life advice and challenges our guests faced in episodes 1-6.

Hosts Jer and Mike sit down to talk about the most impactful advice and stories from each episode this season.

Check out who we talked to:
EP 1- Bean Media Productions
EP 2- Bradley Tree
EP 3- Spark Fitness
EP 4- Kenton Chamber of Commerce
EP 5- Advanced Sewer & Drain Cleaning
EP 6- Junk Luggers Buffalo

They discuss pulling back the lever and starting your business, the resources available for people interested in starting a business, the sacrifices that come with business ownership, and much more. We also hear some of Mike's stories from his experience owning Bean Media Productions.

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tun

Our 6th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast introduces the owner of Junkluggers of Buffalo, Eric Conrad!

Mike sits down with Eric to talk about how the Junkluggers flag was first planted here in Buffalo.

Eric dives into how the COVID era influenced him to forge a new path that led to the start of Junkluggers. He speaks about what it's like owning a business and how he's learned over the last few years how to maximize the reach and assistance he and his team can provide.

He explains managing his team and how lugging junk is much more than that, it's helping people move on, helping to serve a greater purpose for nonprofits here in WNY, and providing a uniquely fascinating service to others.

He also shares some hilarious stories from the field that will surely bring you a laugh or two...

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

Learn More About Junkluggers

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

Our 5th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast introduces the owner of Advanced Sewer & Drain Cleaning, Tony Luckoski

Jer sits down with Tony to talk about how he ended up being the face of the company, and how he's had to grow as a person since doing so.

He dives into some rich history of Advanced Sewer & Drain Cleaning and how it all started. He speaks in detail about some amazing people who helped him see the freedom and responsibility that being a business owner can provide, and how they impacted how he approaches being a business owner.

He explains the impact of customer relationships and reputation and how that helps to maintain a great rapport with the community.

He also shares some great stories from the field that will surely bring you a laugh or two...

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

Our fourth episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast introduces the President/CEO of Ken-Ton Chamber of Commerce, Cathy Piciulo!

Mike hosts this episode and speaks in depth with a friend of the company and a superstar in the WNY flag-planting community. Cathy has been working as the leader of the Ken-Ton Chamber for over 6 years and wears many hats as President & CEO. She talks at length about how joining your local chamber of commerce can be extremely beneficial for both new and old businesses here in Buffalo.

She also speaks on the reality of working with so many different types of businesses, and how truly listening to their needs can help maximize their help. She speaks on some of the newest ideas and businesses here in the local community and how the various local chambers work together. You don't have to be in a town to join a chamber! What area do you want to be involved in? Learn more by listening in!

Learn More About the Ken-Ton Chamber on their Website!

Join the Chamber Here!

Our third episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast introduces the owner of Spark Fitness, Jenn Ickowski!

Jer hosts this episode and speaks with Jenn in depth about how Spark Fitness was born, and what obstacles needed to be overcome to turn it from an idea into the family it is today. Jenn shares who helped her see her vision was a realistic possibility and what it took to ignite the spark. We learn about how Spark has created a culture that fosters a togetherness that keeps you coming back for more. She also gives her advice to anyone out there who may be considering owning their own business.

Plus you can hear all about the way they do things at Spark Fitness, her philosophy on getting fit, and some amazing things they're up to as well!

This conversation is a great example of how rewarding it can be to step out of corporate America and into a world of Planting Your Flag!

Learn More About Spark Fitness and Follow them on IG!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

Our second episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast introduces the owner of Bradley Tree & Landscaping, Jared Webber!

Mike hosts this episode and speaks in depth with Jared on what it takes to be a successful business owner. He speaks on what he's learned from taking over the company from what his father started, and how the company has evolved. He speaks on learning to grow, and build on the foundations of a longstanding family company, and what it takes to keep that culture and passion through 3rd and 4th generations of younger workers. He also sheds light on how to help your team grow as experts and what it's like working in tree care in Western New York weather, which can be challenging to say the least! & much more...

This conversation is a great example of how you plant your flag, and keep it flying proudly!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

We figured we'd kick off our first Plant Your Flag podcast with the owner and creator of Bean Media Productions, Inc. Mike Bean

We talk about what/who inspired him to plant his flag, and who he was when he first started the company back in 2006. We talk about what he's learned along the way and what he'd tell his younger self.

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about our own lives within the world of entrepreneurship and how our industry is ever-evolving, but we also will feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!