Light Up The Buffalo Economy

Designing Workspaces and Cities People Love with Kyle Ciminelli

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Light Up the Buffalo Economy, Lighthouse CEO Randy Harris interviews Kyle Ciminelli. As President of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation and Newmark Ciminelli, Kyle brings a wide-ranging perspective on the real estate market and how businesses can most effectively use the office space they hold.

Randy and Kyle discuss their “Buffalo Boomerang” stories and the importance of family and the appeal of Buffalo as a great place to raise a family.

The conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of real estate development, particularly in making the most of available space to build a better downtown Buffalo. Randy and Kyle also explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work habits, the shift of businesses settling into hybrid work policies, and the need for vibrant, flexible office spaces. Through it all, they show the importance of community and corporate collaboration in fostering Buffalo's economic and regional growth.

0:00 – Show Intro

0:31 – The “Buffalo Boomerang” stories

3:46 – Looking at the future of Buffalo real estate

6:34 – How uncertainty impacts work

9:52 – The “flight to quality” in commercial real estate

14:20 – Building flexible offices for four seasons

17:11 – How can we fill Main Street downtown

24:05 – Suburban real estate and business success

26:35 – Spotlighting Buffalo’s “unsung hero” businesses

29:12 – Hybrid work and the year of the mandate

34:07 – Designing future-ready offices

38:59 – Trends to watch in WNY

Connect with Randy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyharrisonline/

Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-ciminelli/

Learn more about Lighthouse Technology Services, The Place for Technology Talent: https://www.lhtservices.com/

Balancing Technology Innovation and Business Basics with Michael Ulbrich

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

On our second episode, Lighthouse CEO Randy Harris is joined by business owner and EOS Implementer Michael Ulbrich for a wide-ranging discussion on what the future of business leadership in Buffalo looks like.

Throughout the talk, they advocate for identifying root issues, being open to new ways of optimizing, business processes, and creating slack to manage unforeseen challenges.

Randy and Michael’s discussion also highlights the significance of aligning with like-minded individuals and legacy businesses adapting to changing markets. Practical advice on maintaining a balance between structure and organic growth is shared, fostering a sustainable and profitable business environment.

0:00 – Introduction of business challenges around tech and AI

1:47 – Identifying the problem before the solution

3:57 – Operating within your core focus

7:44 – Navigating a change in business leadership

13:11 – Equipping the next generation of business leaders

17:13 – Keeping up with the pace of change

22:27 – Innovation doesn’t always mean new

26:13 – Leading through change from first principles

33:18 – 10x vs. 2x thinking around economic growth regionally

38:32 – Learning the tools of effective leadership

46:45 – What happens when you have to adapt the plan?

56:19 – Creating slack in work and life

Connect with Randy on LinkedIn.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Lighthouse Technology Services, The Place for Technology Talent, on our website.

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Technology Strategy as a Path to Innovation with Steve White

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

This episode delves into the experiences and insights of small to mid-sized business owners navigating through technological transformation. Lighthouse CEO Randy Harris welcomes Steve White, Senior Director of Operations at Roofstock and former CEO of RentPrep, for our inaugural episode!

How does technology help a business find operational efficiency? How do you find the right balance and keep the "human in the loop" while integrating technology and AI into your business?

Randy and Steve talk about the importance of bringing team members to the table as you ideate and implement new technologies, while highlighting the vital role of attention to detail and the psychology of change management in achieving business success. The episode aims to provide actionable insights for companies looking to adapt to rapid technological changes and develop a coherent tech strategy.

0:00 - Show Introduction

3:45 - Steve's Entrepreneurial Journey

8:25 - Navigating Economic Challenges

12:28 - How Technology Helps Businesses Grow and Evolve

21:12 - Balancing Technology and Human Touch

27:57 - Embedding Technology Strategy as a Small Business

33:10 - Connecting New Tech to Business Processes

38:20 - Encouraging Innovation Within Teams

49:00 - Developing a Technology Strategy

Learn more about Lighthouse Technology Services, The Place for Technology Talent.