Glens Falls Business Journal

Saratoga-Based Staffing Firm Connects U.S. Companies With Latin American Workers

February 17, 2026

By Carol Ann Conover

Tim McNeil’s path to running a staffing company that recruits exclusively from Latin America began with clients who needed support staff but found domestic hiring challenging.

McNeil and his business partner Rob Rogers own GSD Staffing, a company that places workers from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Belize with U.S. businesses seeking to fill behind-the-scenes roles at rates well below domestic labor costs. The partners operate from a coworking space in Saratoga and work remotely from their homes in Queensbury and Charlton.

The business emerged from the partners’ other company, OSR Manage, which provides fractional sales management services to IT companies across North America. When clients began requesting appointment setters and marketing support but expressed concerns about salary expectations, McNeil and Rogers redirected their existing recruiter to source candidates from Latin America.

What started as a solution for a handful of clients has evolved into a business model the partners believe could eventually become their primary focus. GSD Staffing currently employs about 30 people and aims to double that number by year’s end.

“We got those first 30 kind of by accident,” McNeil said. “We’ve got the marketing engine going now.”

The company charges clients between $2,500 and $3,000 monthly per placement, a significant discount compared to domestic salaries. McNeil attributes rising wage pressures to the pandemic’s aftermath, saying some positions have jumped from $45,000 annually to $65,000. GSD Staffing serves as the employer of record, handling payroll, taxes and compliance with labor laws in each country.

The workers themselves remain in their home countries, taking advantage of time zone proximity that McNeil describes as a key selling point over offshore alternatives in the Philippines or India. Depending on the season, workers in GSD’s recruiting markets operate in either Central or Mountain time zones, typically within one or two hours of their U.S. clients.

Business Report: Phishing Scam Teaches Businesses About Security

February 17, 2026

Reg Harnish, CEO of OrbitalFire Cybersecurity, says small firms must own cybersecurity.
Courtesy OrbitalFire

By Reg Harnish

Late last year, Warren County officials disclosed that more than $3 million was mistakenly sent from the Treasurer’s Office after staff fell victim to a phishing scam. Two routine wire payments believed to be legitimate vendor transactions were redirected to fraudulent accounts.

This was not a technical failure or a sophisticated cyberattack. It was a breakdown in how routine business decisions were made and verified.

That is what makes phishing so effective. It hides inside normal work.

How Phishing Gets Past Capable Teams

Modern phishing often does not look suspicious at first glance. Emails are designed to feel familiar, frequently appearing to come from known vendors, contractors or internal staff. Formatting looks correct, timing makes sense and the request fits neatly into an existing workflow.

Common examples include a request to update banking information, a revised invoice or a reminder that a payment needs to go out.

Add urgency, and the email blends into a busy inbox. Nothing about it feels dramatic. That is the core of social engineering: getting people to act, not just to click.

Why Smaller Organizations Are Common Targets

Smaller organizations run lean by necessity. Fewer approval layers and handoffs mean fewer chances for someone to pause and ask whether something looks right.

Exclusivity And Storytelling Matter More Than Price In Tough Economy

February 17, 2026

Neal Sandin, President of 643 Research is a full-service qualitative market research company.
Courtesy 643 Research

By Neal Sandin

Economic uncertainty reigns, with concerns about tariffs, rising unemployment and inflation, and the possible “AI Bubble” spilling out from social media feeds and news outlets. With higher costs for groceries, utilities, as well as at the gas pump and seemingly everywhere else, people are becoming more discerning about where to spend their hard-earned money. The challenge for brands and market researchers that work for them is not to focus too much on one single factor: price.

Many companies when faced with economic hurdles immediately reduce prices. This is understandable. After all, a typical question that the market researcher asks is if there is anything preventing someone from buying something. Not surprisingly, the first answer is always cost. If things were only a little less expensive, they would buy. Yet ironically, reduction of prices can actually cause people to not buy from a brand.

For example, if Rolls-Royce suddenly started selling their vehicles at a Honda Civic price point, many people would wonder about the brand and if the quality was truly there. The true appeal of Rolls-Royce is that it is exclusive. These vehicles belong to a rarefied group, one that is full of brand-loyal customers. The more exclusive, the more exciting the brand, the more it captures the imagination on both an emotional and social level. All of this creates and reinforces customer loyalty.

Some may conclude from this that a higher price is required to create exclusivity. While it is true that a Rolls-Royce at $30,000 is not nearly as remarkable as a Rolls-Royce at $300,000, it is the stories we tell about the brand that truly makes them something special. Rolls-Royce played a key role in royal weddings, including between Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Yet, that Honda Civic that can last 200,000 miles also tells a story, one that Rolls-Royce never could, that of road trips and memories with loved ones. These stories give people a reason to buy from that brand. They make the customer want to spend their money with a specific company and not anyone else. Stories create loyalty.

Hilltop Construction Builds On Strong Demand Across Residential, Commercial Markets

February 17, 2026

About 60 percent of Hilltop Construction Company’s business is from residential clients building upscale lakefront homes such as this one on Lake George.
Courtesy Hilltop Construction

By Paul Post

Hilltop Construction Company started out as a one man operation – Tom Albrecht Sr. and a pickup truck.

Today his son, Tom Jr.; daughter, April; and her husband, Dan Washburn, are leading the Queensbury-based firm into a second half-century of business, with thriving activity in both the residential and commercial sectors.

“We work with about eight different architects,” Albrect Jr. said. “They all tell me they have plenty of work, at least 12 months of work in front of them. That means there’s work we haven’t even touched yet on the construction side of things. So the outlook is very, very healthy.”

Hilltop is marking its 50 anniversary this year, with plans for an official celebration in August. The company is headquartered in a handsome new building at 21 Casey Road, just north of Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport.

Tom Sr. and his wife, Cindy, founders of the company retired three years ago.

Family-Run Adirondack Customs Turns Local Roots Into Lasting Craftsmanship

February 17, 2026

An Adirondack Customs truck sits near the Hudson River in Riparius, underscoring the family-run builder’s deep local roots and hands-on craftsmanship throughout the Southern Adirondack region.
Courtesy Adirondack Customs

By Carol Ann Conover

In the heart of the Adirondack Park, where the rugged landscape demands as much resilience from its structures as its people, Adirondack Customs LLC has spent nearly two decades turning regional character into craftsmanship. Founded in 2007, the Riparius-based custom home builder has evolved from a hands-on startup into a multifaceted family venture that manages everything from timber frame construction to complex permitting. According to Jaki Rainsberger, who recently joined the team to support the company’s growing operations, the firm’s identity is inextricably linked to the land it builds upon. The company’s mission statement emphasizes their local roots, noting that they do not just work in the Adirondacks—they live there—and that this local knowledge shapes every structural decision.

The business operates as a true family venture under the umbrella of 6K Holdings, a name that represents the family members who keep the engine running. This structural synergy is further strengthened by their sister company, Bison Facilities Management Services (FMS). While Adirondack Customs focuses on the artistry and physical construction of regional homes, Bison FMS acts as a core strategic partner, allowing the family to offer a more comprehensive suite of services. Ken Stonitsch, a partner who has been with the company for 10 years, serves as the primary man on site for the construction side. Known for his old-school work ethic, Stonitsch handles the heavy lifting of estimating, drafting and subcontractor management, often utilizing Chief Architect software to bring client visions to life.

The Crews At Munter Enterprises Staying Busy Working On A Variety Of Area Projects

February 17, 2026

A rendering shows planned upgrades to the Glens Falls YMCA as Munter Enterprises advances a multimillion-dollar renovation designed to modernize the facility while allowing members to continue programs.
Courtesy Paone Architecture PC

By Rod Bacon

The inclement weather much of the country has experienced this winter has been challenging for building contractors but they are continuing to move their projects forward.

Middle Grove-based Munter Enterprises, Inc. is no exception.

“Our people are tough and they’re holding their own,” said Vice President Mike Munter. “We’ve skipped a few days of concrete work here and there because we didn’t want to open up more ground for it to freeze so we’ve been timing that work. It’s slowing us down a bit but not stopping us.”

The company is moving ahead on projects started last spring and summer as well as working on new ones.

The steel is going up on Skyward Drive in the W.J. Grande Industrial Park for the 35,000-square-foot office/warehouse building for Ambrave Corp., a designer and manufacturer of advanced tactical gear for military special operations forces and law enforcement under the brand Direct Action and for outdoor enthusiasts under the brand Helikon-Tex.

Despite Its Size, Glens Falls MSA Places In Top Tier Of U.S. Economic Strength

January 21, 2026

Jim Siplon, president, CEO, EDC Warren County.

By Jim Siplon, President, Warren County EDC

When I first came to this area more than a decade ago, I was struck by the sense that this was a place that punched way above its weight. It had assets that communities many times its size were lacking like a 400 bed hospital, a professional hockey team and arena, a SUNY college campus, a world-class art collection…I could go on as you know with many more attributes. I tell people who haven’t been here that we are the gateway to the Adirondack Park and the bridge to the Capital Region all at the same time.

The federal government developed the concept of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) nearly 75 years ago and refined it to the current criteria in the 1980’s. My predecessor Ed Bartholomew and others worked to get this area adopted officially as an MSA as an aggregation of Warren and Washington Counties and ours is one of the smallest in the country…smaller than all but 17%. Put another way, more than 4 out of 5 metropolitan areas in the U.S. are bigger.

A recent report from Area Development Magazine and Chmura Economics and Analytics examined economic fundamentals in both every MSA and economic market in the country ranging from the NY-NJ-White Plains MSA (population 11,588,916) to Pecos, Tx (population 10,618). While the study identified many high preforming areas in the South and Western U.S., it also had a surprising and robust set of measures for our modest Glens Falls MSA despite our small size.

To summarize the many pages of data and rankings, our Glens Falls MSA is in the top 18% (175 of 949) of all U.S. markets. In the primary category (Economic Strength) our area was in the top 10% nationally (92 of 949), top 6% (5 of 84) of Mid-Atlantic markets and top 4% (3 of 58) of New York and Northern New England markets. The news is not uniformly good though-as one would expect. The major area we lag behind in is our workforce. We know our workforce has been flat or declining for some time and continues to age with a median age approaching 50. We rank in the bottom half at 50% (488 of 949) in this critical component. We simply don’t have enough workers to fully satisfy our existing economy, essentially throttling our otherwise remarkable output and productivity.

Lake George Winter Carnival Plans Five Weekends Of Events And Competitions

January 21, 2026

Polar Plunge enthusiasts brace for cold water during last year’s Lake George Winter Carnival. The event begins Saturday, Feb. 7, and continues through the weekend of March 7–8.
Courtesy Paul Post

By Paul Post

Five weekends of frosty revelry are on tap as Lake George Winter Carnival has a full slate of activities planned for North Country residents and visitors alike.

The fun starts Saturday, Feb. 7 with outhouse races, a Jeep parade and fireworks and continues through March 7-8 with a Chillin’ and Choppin’ lumberjack competition.

“We do it to give back to the community and to promote tourism,” said Jessyca Darrah, co-chair with Nancy Nichols, of the all-volunteer Winter Carnival Committee. “The intent is for local businesses to make money. We need more of the community to step up and get involved. We’re always looking for volunteers. We want to grow the committee, we want more people actively involved.”

Now in it’s 64th year, Winter Carnival is the mainstay of ongoing efforts to promote more year-round tourism not only in Lake George, but throughout Warren County. Recent efforts such as Ice Castles at Charles R. Wood Park, and Winter’s Dream at Fort William Henry, have had short-lived runs due largely to mild winters the past few years.

New Upper Glen Street Showroom Focuses On Custom Design And Energy Efficiency

January 21, 2026

Tim and Michelle Schultz with Sarah Walsh at the new multibrand showroom on Upper Glen Street.
Glens Falls Business Journal

By Carol Ann Conover

Homeowners looking for personalized design guidance rather than off-the-shelf solutions now have a new local option with the opening of a collaborative home design and improvement showroom on Upper Glen Street.

Tim and Michelle Schultz are launching a multi-brand showroom at 704 Upper Glen St. that brings together custom window treatments, interior design services and energy-efficient replacement windows and doors. The space unites Gotcha Covered of Saratoga, Designs on Glen and Window Depot of the Adirondacks, offering what the owners describe as a consultative, one-on-one alternative to the stock selections and self-guided experience typical of big-box retailers.

The concept is designed to help homeowners make cohesive decisions that balance aesthetics, performance and budget, rather than purchasing products in isolation. Clients can work directly with experienced professionals to evaluate everything from fabric and light control to insulation value and window performance.

“We’re really focused on the personal side of design,” Tim Schultz said. “Big-box stores serve a purpose, but many homeowners want guidance tailored to their space, their home and how they live. That’s what we’re providing here.”

Log Jam Restaurant Celebrates 50 Years With Debut Of Signature Spruce Lager

January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Log Jam celebrates 50 years with its new spruce lager brewed with Northway Brewing Co.
Courtesy Log Jam

The Log Jam Restaurant, a longtime Lake George dining institution, will kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations with a special First Pour Celebration on Wednesday, January 21, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., marking five decades of locally owned hospitality, community connection and Adirondack-inspired dining.

The anniversary event will debut Log Jam Spruce Lager, a signature craft beer brewed locally in collaboration with Northway Brewing Co. in Queensbury. The First Pour event will be the public’s first opportunity to sample the spruce lager on draft.

Guests attending the celebration can expect live music by Jordan Dyer and Megan Houde, along with beer and appetizer specials. The spruce lager will be available year-round at The Log Jam, with cans and four-packs launching soon. The First Pour event offers an exclusive opportunity to taste it fresh from the tap.

“Reaching 50 years is a significant milestone for our restaurant and our team,” said Tony Grecco, Manager of The Log Jam Restaurant. “This event is a way for us to honor an exciting collaboration, celebrate with our amazing customers and kick off a year of 50th Anniversary celebrations.”