In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Utica native and decorated veteran Vinny Scalise, founder and executive director of the Utica Center for Development. After serving 24 years in the military, including deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Vinny returned home with a mission. What started at his dining room table has grown into one of the most impactful organizations in Central New York, serving thousands of veterans, families and community members every year.

Vinny shares the reality of transitioning from military life back to civilian life, along with the gaps he saw in services for veterans. Instead of waiting for change, he built it himself. From housing and mental health support to youth programs and community spaces, the UCD has expanded into something much bigger than its original vision. This conversation dives into the challenges of building a nonprofit from the ground up, navigating setbacks and staying committed to a mission that truly matters.

We also get a look at the future of Utica through Vinny’s eyes. From revitalizing buildings like the former YWCA into wellness centers, to creating inclusive spaces like the Better Together Center, his focus is clear. Identify the gaps, fill them, and build a stronger community in the process.

We Dive Into:
• Vinny’s transition from military service to building the Utica Center for Development
• How the UCD grew from a small idea into a multi-location organization serving thousands
• The importance of addressing mental health, homelessness, and veteran support at the root
• Expanding programs for youth, families, and individuals with developmental disabilities
• His vision for a stronger, safer, and more connected Utica

This conversation is a powerful reminder that real change starts locally. If you care about community, leadership, and making a difference, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

---
Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(0:55) - Returning Home
(2:00) - Transitioning Back to Civilian Life
(3:30) - Starting the Center & Challenges
(6:30) - Operating Private Non Profit
(8:45) - Serving 4,000 Veterans Annually & Expansion
(11:15) - Purchasing Bleecker Building
(12:00) - Non Veteran Services & Team
(13:00) - Fundraising
(14:00) - St. Patrick's Day Parade
(18:45) - Better Together Center
(24:00) - Identify Gaps & Mission
(29:05) - Services & Website
(32:00) - Youth & Private Investment
(33:40) - Getting Involved
(40:45) - Rapid Fire Questions


---
Vincent Scalise's Links:
Website - https://www.ucdevelopment.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/ucdevelopment.org
IG - https://www.instagram.com/uticacenterfordevelopment

---
Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Utica native Jordan Johnson, a single father, entrepreneur, music producer, and newly published author who’s all about turning life’s challenges into fuel. Jordan shares how this current season of his life feels like a culmination of everything he’s been through, from early struggles to building something meaningful for himself and his family. It’s a conversation rooted in reflection, growth, and the idea that sometimes the toughest seasons are what shape you the most.

We get into real conversations around parenting, mindset and what it means to lead by example. Jordan opens up about raising two teenage boys, learning how to communicate and realizing that kids are always watching. The discussion naturally flows into self-talk, discipline and how easy it is to get stuck in your own head. But Jordan keeps bringing it back to perspective. No matter what you’re going through, there’s always a way to flip it and find something positive to build from.

On top of that, Jordan dives into his journey as an author and business owner, from writing his book Turning the Tables from Negative Thinking to Positive Living to running his mobile detailing business here in the 315. His message is simple but powerful. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to keep moving, stay coachable and believe that your next win is on the way.

We Talk About:
• Why reflection and quiet time are key to growth and self-awareness
• Lessons from being a young father and raising two teenage boys
• How negative self-talk holds people back and how to break it
• The story behind his book and the message of turning setbacks into wins
• Building a business locally and what makes Utica a unique place to grow

This one is real, relatable, and packed with perspective. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your next move, this conversation will hit home.

This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

---
Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(1:00) - What Season is Jordan Most Proud Of
(2:30) - Daily Reflection & Silence
(4:30) - Lessons From Parenting
(7:05) - Kids Are Always Watching
(8:25) - Maturing as a Dad
(10:00) - The Leader Doesn't Always Know
(14:00) - Allowing Your Kids to Learn From Mistakes
(17:00) - Eliminating Negative Self Talk
(19:30) - Becoming an Author
(22:30) - There's Always Room For Positivity
(24:15) - Perspective
(25:45) - Auto Detailing Business
(28:20) - Patterns Observed
(31:50) - Who the Book is For
(35:20) - Emotions & Being Coachable
(45:50) - Rapid Fire Questions

---
Jordan Johnson's Links:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/JDubthegenius
IG - https://www.instagram.com/Jdubthegenius
Detailing FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558813994621
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JDubthegenius

---
Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode, we sit down with Melquea Smith, an award-winning children’s book illustrator from Syracuse and the creative force behind PrettyKittyPaintings. From discovering art online at a young age to turning it into a full-time career, Melquea shares what it really takes to break into the world of children’s publishing. She pulls back the curtain on an industry that can feel like a “secret society,” explaining how she found her lane, built her skillset, and learned to tell powerful stories through illustration.

We dive into the artistry behind children’s books in a way most people never think about. Melquea explains how every detail matters, from color choices that shape emotion to subtle techniques that guide a reader to turn the page. What looks simple on the surface is actually the result of months or even years of work, layered with intention, psychology, and storytelling. She also shares the realities of the business side, including how illustrators get paid, how long projects really take, and why you have to truly love the work to stay in it.

Beyond books, Melquea is building something bigger. Through her clip art subscription, she’s helping educators, creators, and authors access diverse, joyful imagery that reflects the real world. At the heart of everything she does is a mission to normalize and celebrate representation, creativity, and self-expression. This conversation is thoughtful, eye-opening, and full of perspective for anyone who’s ever underestimated what goes into a children’s book.

We Discuss:
• How Melquea found her path into children’s book illustration and what it takes to break in
• The hidden complexity behind picture books and why “simple” is actually very hard
• The business side of illustration, including timelines, payments, and royalties
• How art influences emotion through color, composition, and storytelling techniques
• Her clip art membership and mission to bring more diversity and representation into creative spaces

This one will completely change the way you look at children’s books—and might just inspire you to create something of your own.

This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

---
Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(1:00) - Getting Started in Illustration
(5:00) - Sequential Storytelling
(6:30) - Learning the Industry
(7:30) - Cannot Exist Without Creating
(8:25) - Relationship with Author
(11:15) - Project Criteria
(15:30) - Structure of Deals
(19:40) - Business Mind vs. Artistic Heart
(21:15) - Amount of Time Per Book
(24:30) - Insider Secrets & Strategy
(28:30) - Melquea's Style & Personal Elements
(31:00) - Thoughts on AI
(35:30) - Clipart Membership
(40:45) - Rapid Fire Questions


---
Melquea Smith's Links:
Website - https://www.prettykittypaintings.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/prettykittypaintings
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melqueasmith
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@PrettyKittyPaintings

---
Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org