Juanita Worboys-Baddie PR
Brown Baddie PR is a boutique public relations and branding agency dedicated to helping women-owned and minority-owned businesses stand out, get seen, and get paid. Through strategic storytelling, media placements, brand partnerships, and social visibility, they help transform small brands into recognized names and position their clients as leaders in their industries.
Their mission is simple but powerful: making sure every "baddie" in business gets the recognition, opportunities, and spotlight she deserves.
James Weiss-Apple Cove Farm
James C. Weiss Sr. is the Owner and Operator of Apple Cove Farm, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the community and promoting environmental stewardship throughout New York State. Guided by the philosophy, "Think Global but Act Local," James works to bring people together through community-focused events that make a lasting impact. His signature initiative, the annual May We Begin Tree Fundraiser, raises awareness and support for planting native trees across New York. Through Apple Cove Farm, James is committed to creating stronger communities, protecting natural resources, and inspiring others to take action for future generations.
Andrea O'Neill Casa Larga Vineyard
Andrea Colaruotolo O'Neill is a second-generation leader of Casa Larga Vineyards, the family-owned winery founded in 1974 by her parents, Andrew Colaruotolo and Ann Colaruotolo. She serves as the winery's Director of Marketing and as president of the business. Together with her siblings, she helps oversee the continuation of the family's winemaking and hospitality legacy in New York's Finger Lakes region.
O'Neill grew up immersed in the family business and has played a key role in promoting Casa Larga's wines, events, and hospitality offerings. She frequently speaks about the winery's Italian heritage, the traditions established by her father, and the importance of maintaining a family-owned operation while adapting to changing market and agricultural conditions.
Under the stewardship of the Colaruotolo family, Casa Larga has become one of the best-known wineries in the Rochester area and an established producer of Finger Lakes wines, including its award-winning ice wines. Andrea works alongside her brother, John Colaruotolo, Director of Winemaking, and her sister, Mary Jo Colaruotolo Telesca, Director of Accounting and IT.
Michael Murano- The Contractor Store
Michael Murano is a Rochester, New York–based serial entrepreneur, business owner, landlord, and father of five whose career has been built on identifying opportunities and creating businesses that serve both professionals and consumers. He is the owner of Fine Touch Painting, The Contractor Store, and the Rushwood Barn & Event Venue, with interests spanning construction, retail, real estate, and hospitality.
Drawing on decades of experience working with contractors and homeowners, Murano launched The Contractor Store with a vision of transforming how tradespeople access products, services, and business resources. He believes independent contractors can benefit from collective buying power, allowing members to leverage group discounts and stronger supplier relationships that are often reserved for larger companies.
Murano also sees The Contractor Store as a unique two-sided marketplace where homeowners can connect directly with trusted local professionals- including painters, roofers, tilers, and other skilled trades- all under one roof. By bringing contractors and customers together in a single environment, he aims to simplify the process of finding quality services while helping small businesses grow.
With an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for building community, Murano has ambitious plans for expansion. He intends to open additional The Contractor Store locations in Buffalo and Syracuse, further extending the concept across New York State and creating new opportunities for contractors and homeowners alike.
