Glens Falls Business Journal

All Sports Facility Opens In Fort Edward With Multi-Sport Training And Competition Space

September 18, 2025

Brittney Sprague feeds a baseball into a pitching machine at the new All Sports Facility, which opened recently on Upper Broadway in Fort Edward.

By Paul Post

Dan McQuay purchased the former Agway store on Upper Broadway in Fort Edward with the idea of flipping it for a profit.

Upon closer inspection, he quickly realized its 14- and 18-foot-high ceilings were just right for the business he’s always wanted to run.

The aptly-named All Sports Facility opened June 1 with training and competition space for a variety of activities including baseball, softball, pickleball, basketball, soccer, field hockey and lacrosse.

“I looked at it and said, I think we can make this work for just about any sport, not just baseball,” said McQuay, a Schuylerville resident and retired U.S. Marine. “Our big differentiator is that we’re catering to training in all disciplines.”

The building had been vacant for almost a decade when he bought it.

“Structurally it’s in great shape, but we replaced floors, plumbing and HVAC,” McQuay said.

Something “north of a million” dollars later, the gleaming interior has six baseball-softball cages, a basketball-pickleball court and a separate large indoor turf area for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey.

A New Holiday Tradition: Kringle Kottage Brings Inclusive Christmas Magic To Lake George

September 18, 2025

For many families, visiting Santa is a cherished holiday tradition. But for children and adults with sensory sensitivities, the bustling, noisy environments of malls and attractions can make that experience overwhelming.

This holiday season, the newly formed K Kringle Foundation is changing that with the creation of the Kringle Kottage — a specially designed Christmas cabin where the magic of Santa will be accessible to all.

The idea came from Roger Allan, who portrayed Santa in Lake George last year. As the father of a neurodivergent adult son, Allan witnessed how challenging it can be for families to find an environment that feels both comfortable and inclusive.

“Playing Santa last year opened my eyes to just how many families couldn’t comfortably experience the holiday magic in traditional settings,” said Allan. “As a parent, I know how important it is to offer a space that is safe, welcoming, and truly magical for everyone.”

Where Christmas Wonder Meets Inclusion

Set to open on the grounds of the Fort William Henry Hotel & Conference Center, the Kringle Kottage will be designed to look just like Santa’s home-away-from-home. From frosted windows and roof dormers to a cozy fireplace and a ceiling-suspended train, every detail is meant to immerse guests in holiday wonder.

Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, families can schedule private visits with Santa by booking online at kringlekottage.org (booking will be available soon). Each 15-minute appointment is crafted to create lasting memories while eliminating the stress of long lines. During the reservation process, families and caretakers will complete a short questionnaire to share the child’s or adult’s needs. This allows the Kottage team to tailor the experience—adjusting lighting, music, and décor as needed—ensuring a truly seamless, sensory-friendly visit with Santa.

Fort Ticonderoga Welcomes Fall With History, Scenic Beauty and Family Fun

September 18, 2025

Fort Ticonderoga overlooks Lake Champlain, offering sweeping fall views and family-friendly programs that bring history to life.
Courtesy Carl Heilman II

From the shores of Lake Champlain to the heights of Mount Defiance, Fort Ticonderoga offers picturesque views around every corner and family-friendly activities this fall that capture the essence of the season. Ticonderoga’s defining history and signature stories are highlighted through innovative story telling on a grand scale, historic trades, daily soldiers’ life programs, enriching guided tours, thrilling weapons demos, boat cruises, endless outdoor activities, captivating signature events, and premium exclusive experiences.

“Surrounded by magnificent autumn backdrops of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains, the epic beauty makes Fort Ticonderoga a must-see destination any time of year, but especially during the fall,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga president & CEO. “Daily offerings bring visitors into Fort Ticonderoga’s defining story through hands-on activities, programs and exhibitions which inspire the joy of learning together for families and visitors of all ages, while gaining a deeper understanding of our nation’s past and its meaning to us today.”

Family Friendly Fall Fun

Business Report: Designing Benefits to Meet Multi-Generational

September 18, 2025

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

By Rose Miller

The workplace is more multigenerational than ever. With many employees delaying retirement and Generation Z entering in full force, as many as five generations are now working side by side. This diversity brings incredible strengths, but it also creates challenges. Each generation carries distinct values and expectations, and business leaders must recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach to employee benefits no longer works.

As I advise companies, I often remind them that wages and benefits are more than a cost of doing business—they are a core recruiting and retention strategy. To remain competitive, organizations must evaluate their benefits through the lens of their workforce’s evolving needs. And today’s employees are asking for much more than health insurance and a 401(k).

Here are some of the benefits I see gaining the most traction in the marketplace:

• Flexible work arrangements: Employees value flexibility, whether it’s hybrid schedules or the ability to set their own hours. While not possible in every industry, flexible models allow organizations to balance employer needs with employees’ desire for work-life balance.

• Health and wellness programs: Mental health support is no longer a “nice-to-have.” Employees are experiencing higher levels of stress and burnout, and benefits such as counseling, mental health days or therapy access can be game changers.

• Fitness perks: Gym memberships or fitness discounts not only encourage healthy lifestyles but also reduce long-term health costs for employers.

Business Report: Life Insurance Purpose In Retirement

September 18, 2025

David M. Kopyc, CRPC®, is president of Retirement Planning Group LLC.

By David M. Kopyc, CRPC®

As life expectancies increase, retirement planning now involves preparing not just for an individual’s final years, but for a potentially decades-long period of health and financial needs.

For the growing number of blended families, this reality brings unique challenges in legacy planning. Ensuring fairness and security for both a current spouse and children from a previous marriage requires careful foresight. Fortunately, new linked-benefit products—which combine life insurance with long-term care (LTC) coverage—offer a versatile and tax-efficient solution that addresses both needs simultaneously.

Navigating the complexities of blended families in retirement

In a traditional family structure, asset division is often straightforward, with the surviving spouse typically inheriting the bulk of the estate. For blended families, however, this approach can inadvertently disinherit children from a prior marriage. For example, if a parent leaves everything to their new spouse, that spouse could later change their will to leave all assets to their biological children, leaving the first-marriage children with nothing. This can cause significant rifts and legal battles, especially with larger estates.

Even without overt family conflict, a blended family’s financial security is more complex. A couple may be focused on providing for their current spouse, while also wanting to leave a meaningful inheritance for their respective children. In the event one spouse needs long-term care, the substantial cost can quickly deplete the couple’s shared assets, including the very inheritance they intended for their children.

The modern solution: Linked-benefit life insurance

For those seeking to secure both long-term care and a guaranteed legacy, linked-benefit products have emerged as a strategic solution. These hybrid policies integrate the dual benefits of life insurance and long-term care coverage into a single contract. By repurposing an asset, a policyholder can leverage it to provide income tax-free long-term care benefits. The key advantage is the “no use, no lose” proposition: If the LTC benefits are never used, the full death benefit is paid out to beneficiaries. This removes the risk of paying premiums for a traditional LTC policy that could go unused.

Business Report: Consider An M&A Advisor When Selling

September 18, 2025September 18, 2025

Kathlene Thiel, MBA, CVA M&A Master Intermediary at Thiel Group. Courtesy Thiel Group

By Kathlene Thiel

When a business owner decides to sell their company, it’s often the culmination of years—sometimes decades—of hard work, sacrifice, and strategic growth. Yet, despite the emotional and financial weight of such a decision, many entrepreneurs attempt to navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) without professional guidance. That’s where an M&A advisor steps in—not just as a broker, but as a strategic partner, negotiator, and process leader who can dramatically improve outcomes.

Selling a company is a nuanced, multi-phase journey involving valuation, due diligence, legal structuring, and emotional decision-making. Most business owners are experts in their industry but not mergers & acquisitions. An advisor educates you on each step of the process, from initial preparation to final closing. They demystify terms like “quality of earnings,” “working capital peg,” and “reps and warranties,” ensuring you’re informed and confident. More importantly, they lead the process—setting timelines, managing milestones, and keeping all parties aligned. Without this leadership, deals can stall, unravel, or leave value on the table.

A well-prepared Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) or offering document can make or break buyer interest. M&A advisors know how to present your company’s story in a compelling, credible, and strategic way. They highlight strengths, mitigate perceived risks, and position the business for maximum valuation. These documents aren’t just marketing tools—they’re the foundation for buyer diligence and negotiation. A sloppily prepared CIM can signal disorganization or lack of professionalism, while a polished one reinforces your credibility and sets the tone for serious engagement.

New Queensbury Restaurant Serves Up Comfort Food With A Touch Of Nostalgia

September 18, 2025

Shake, Rattle & Roll recently opened at the corner of Routes 149 and 9L in Queensbury, serving up burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream with a nostalgic ‘50s and ‘60s flair.

By Rod Bacon

A restaurant channeling the cruizin’ culture of the ‘50s and ‘60s, and paying homage to a popular song originated by Big Joe Turner that was covered by Bill Haley & His Comets, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and even The Beatles, among others, opened last month in Queensbury.

Shake, Rattle & Roll, owned by Fort Ann concrete contractor Dale Baldwin, has been taking shape for the past five years.

“We worked on it in the winter when concrete work was slow,” said Baldwin.

The 3,024-square-foot building was erected by Peterson Builders Framing Contractors of Charlotte, N.C. Baldwin’s son, Travis, did all the finish carpentry and his daughter, Amanda, performed the painting and staining tasks. Glens Falls-based E&T O’Connor did the site work and DE Contracting of Lake George did the paving. Cerrone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning of Queensbury installed the plumbing and heating.

The restaurant, which will be open from April through November, serves hamburgers and “Hound Dog” hot dogs, with sides of french fries, mac-and-cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. Twelve flavors of ice cream that can be ordered in cones, sundaes, floats, or banana splits, are offered for dessert. The ice cream, which can also be ordered from a walk-up ice cream window, is from King Brothers Dairy in Schuylerville.

Patten’s South Street Project Fills Fast Four Of Seven Commercial Units Claimed

August 21, 2025

Chris Patten stands in front of his latest project at 46–56 South Street in Glens Falls, where four of seven commercial spaces are already claimed, including a whiskey bar and tavern.
Courtesy Chris Patten

By Paul Post

Four of seven commercial spaces at developer Chris Patten’s latest project, 46-56 South Street in Glens Falls, are already accounted for.

Katy’s Wine and Whiskey Bar and Jud’s Tavern are scheduled to open when work on the three-story, mixed-use building, with 20 second- and third-floor apartments, is completed this winter.

“I really want to bring back South Street,” Patten said. “To do that we need to generate foot traffic with bars and restaurants.”

The large previously-vacant building, at the corner of South and Elm streets, was recently painted a handsome navy blue and white, and will transform dramatically at night with multi-colored lighting along the roof line.

Nearby, Patten is also redeveloping 10 Broad Street, site of a former Rite Aid store, with construction of a three-story structure comprised of a 56-space ground-floor parking garage and 24 high-end apartments overhead.

The two projects combined total $11 million – $5 million for 46-56 South Street and $6 million for 10 Broad Street. The latter project is called The Point.

Thunder’s New Era, Harding-Mazzotti Arena Deal Brings Heavy Hitting On And Off the Ice

August 21, 2025

Harding-Mazzotti signs mark new arena era as Thunder gear up for heavy-hitting season.

By Paul Post

Sylvain Cloutier, the Adirondack Thunder’s new head coach, wants to build a heavy team that punishes opponents physically.

One of the Capital Region’s most prominent law firms is getting in on the action, too, as Harding-Mazzotti, “The Heavy Hitters,” has won arena naming rights under a five-year agreement through 2030.

The relationship with a prestigious Albany employer is expected to spark new marketing opportunities and bring more events to the downtown venue, a major contributor to the local economy.

“The financial package is certainly a factor, they are in every naming rights agreement,” Thunder President and arena General Manager Jeff Mead said. “That being said, we were also looking for a partner that wanted to become part of our community. Harding-Mazzotti wants to do that. Their firm seems genuinely excited to partner with us.”

New signs identifying Harding-Mazzotti Arena already adorn the building, in anticipation of the Thunder’s home opener against the defending Kelly Cup champion Trois-Rivieres Lions on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Warren County Opens Grant Applications Occupancy Tax Helps Drive Regional Tourism

August 21, 2025

By Paul Post

Firms and organizations seeking a share of Warren County occupancy tax money have until September 15 to submit applications.

Occupancy tax is a 4 percent tax on hotel, motel, bed-and-breakfasts and short-term rentals, which is used to promote tourism in Warren County.

The total collected has nearly doubled in the past five years from $4.2 million in 2020, an historically low figure caused by COVID, to the $8 million generated in 2024.

Twenty-five percent of the money collected is distributed directly to towns and the City of Glens Falls (nearly $2.4 million in 2023) to use however they want. The Town of Thurman, for example, uses money to promote its Fall Farm Tour and Maple Days in spring.

But occupancy tax also funds Warren County Tourism Department ($2.2 million in 2023) and partially supports Lake George Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cool Insuring Arena and many other local visitor-related attractions and programs.

Dozens of awards totaling $861,860 were made this year to special events and organizations that requested funding.

These ranged from $5,831 for the World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls, to the highest amount ($83,130) for Lake George Winter Carnival.