In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we welcome back Anthony Amodio. Anthony is a chef, entrepreneur and the force behind Philomena’s Salumeria, Monarch by Anthony and several of the area’s most talked-about food experiences. From carrying on a family legacy that dates back to 1919 to building multiple businesses across the Mohawk Valley, Anthony shares what it really takes to create something that lasts. This conversation blends history, hustle and a whole lot of heart.

Anthony opens up about the realities of running multiple businesses at once, from managing teams and maintaining quality to navigating rising food costs and constant change. He talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, staying connected to your customers, and being willing to adapt without losing what makes your product special. Whether it’s building a modern-day salumeria experience or perfecting something as sacred as tomato pie in Utica, everything he does is intentional.

At its core, this episode is about more than food. It’s about legacy, resilience, and creating experiences that bring people together. Anthony’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about what you build, but how it makes people feel long after they leave.

We Discuss:
• Carrying on a family legacy and building Philomena’s from the ground up
• The challenges of running multiple businesses and staying consistent
• How Anthony approaches quality, team building, and leadership
• The story behind his tomato pie and creating something unique in Utica
• Why food, family, and community are at the center of everything he does

This one feels like sitting at the table with someone who’s lived it — and is still building every day.

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

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(1:30) - Carrying on Family Legacy
(2:55) - Names of Sandwiches
(4:15) - Managing Multiple Businesses
(4:55) - Salumeria Experience
(7:45) - Old Experience, New Twist
(10:15) - Customer Suggestions
(11:40) - Destination Location
(13:00) - Why Baggs Square?
(16:20) - Hiring Up
(17:30) - Quality & Scaling
(18:30) - Product Diversity
(20:15) - Long Hours & Recharging
(21:00) - Driven by Struggle & Giving Back
(23:50) - Biggest Challenges
(27:50) - Tomato Pie
(31:50) - What's Next?
(37:15) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Anthony Amodio's Links:
Philomena's - FB - https://www.facebook.com/p/Philomenas-Salumeria-61581390762049
Monarch Website - https://monarchyorkville.com
Monarch FB - https://www.facebook.com/p/Monarch-by-Anthony-Amodio-Anthony-Amodio-Catering-100092354675069/

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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 Dr. Victor Martinez Zavala, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, whose journey spans from Mexico to Chicago and now right here in New Hartford. With nearly two decades of training and experience, Dr. Zavala shares how his passion for plastic surgery started early and evolved into a career focused on restoring not just appearance, but confidence, function, and quality of life.

This conversation goes far beyond what most people think of when they hear “plastic surgery.” Dr. Zavala breaks down the powerful impact of reconstructive work, from helping patients recover after trauma or cancer to performing procedures that quite literally give people their lives back. At the same time, we dive into the realities of aesthetic procedures, the influence of social media, and the importance of setting realistic expectations. His approach is simple but refreshing. Listen first, guide second, and always put the patient’s well-being first.

We also talk about why he chose to build his practice in the Mohawk Valley, the value of community-based care, and what makes Slocum such a unique place for both patients and providers. This one is equal parts educational and eye-opening, with a human side to medicine that often gets overlooked.

We Discuss:
• Dr. Zavala’s journey from Mexico to New Hartford and what shaped his career
• The difference between reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery
• How procedures can restore confidence, function, and quality of life
• The impact of social media on beauty standards and patient expectations
• Why building a practice in the 315 and serving the local community matters

This episode will change the way you think about plastic surgery and give you a deeper appreciation for the people behind the work.

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

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(0:45) - Journey From Mexico to New Hartford
(2:45) - Defining Moment
(4:55) - Restoring Balance & Confidence
(6:50) - Is This an Option For Everyone?
(10:30) - Setting Realistic Expectations
(12:00) - Connecting with Patients
(13:45) - Post Pregnancy Procedures
(16:25) - Hand Surgery
(18:45) - Experience in Central NY
(20:00) - Stress & Striving For Better
(22:30) - Treadmill Challenge & Staying Active
(23:25) - Slocum-Dickson Medical Group
(26:05) - What Does Success Look Like in 2026?
(29:20) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Dr. Victor Martinez Zavala's Links:
Website - https://sdmg.com/provider/victor-martinez-zavala-md
IG - https://www.instagram.com/sdmgplastics
FB - https://www.facebook.com/SDMGPlastics

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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 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)

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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


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

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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