Buying Local Saratoga - THE MUSICAL! Episode 10: "Juniper" and Josh Cupp (Thirsty Owl Saratoga)

In this very special tenth episode, our host Steve Cully interviews Josh Cupp, owner of The Thirsty Owl in Saratoga; and "Juniper", a local musician that sometimes plays there! They talk about the Owl and Josh's incredible history, the importance of building relationships to building a business, and - you might have seen this coming, based on the title - a little music! You won't want to miss this landmark episode!

A SARATOGA BUSINESS REPORT PRODUCTION

NOTE: The opinions reflected in this podcast are not indicative of the views of Saratoga Business Report, SaratogaBride.com LLC, Saratoga TODAY, Glens Falls TODAY, or Spa City Digital.

00:00:07 - Introduction

00:00:51 - The Origin of Thirsty Owl’s Name

00:02:13 - The Origin of Juniper’s Stage Name

00:03:31 - Steve’s Meeting With Jewel

00:05:44 - How Steve Got Josh on the Show: Keepin’ it Real!

00:07:30 - A Brief Background of Josh Cupp: Rome, Golf, and… Women’s Studies?

00:10:38 - How Josh Does Restaurateuring: His Way!

00:13:06 - Juniper’s Testimony: Josh is Fun, But he Still Works Hard!

00:14:17 - How Josh and Juniper Dealt With the COVID Crisis

00:15:51 - The Quiet, Family-Oriented Golf Course That is Hidden Valley… And Their Salad Dressings!

00:17:02 - Who’s Ted? A Little Cupp Family History

00:22:19 - Steve’s Search: Finding Josh by Accident!

00:22:56 - Juniper’s Background: Connecting With Saratoga Via SPAC!

00:27:28 - Open Mic Night: For Novices and Pros Alike! Any Music Lovers Welcome!

00:29:07 - No, Juniper and Josh are Not Related!

00:29:38 - Saratoga Synergy: How the Town Made a Turnaround

00:33:08 - How and Why Did Josh Decide to Open a Restaurant in Saratoga?

00:36:40 - College Coaching: So Many Rules! Why Did Steve and Josh Leave?

00:40:00 - Not Just the Owner: Josh Bartends, Waits… And Mops!

00:41:40 - The Renaissance Man is a Man Who Dips His Quill in All Things!

00:42:24 - Balancing the Bill-Paying Work With Passion Work: Busy, But Fulfilling!

00:44:46 - Transitioning Into Running a Business: You’ll Need All the Help You Can Get!

00:49:03 - The Customer… Is NOT Always Right! 13% Will Bust Your Chops, 1% Can Never Be Satisfied!

00:51:22 - Engaging With Your Customers Can Make All the Difference in the World!

00:52:36 - Cultivating Culture: Not Just a Word, But a Philosophy That Must Be Deliberately Nurtured!

00:55:42 - Keeping Good Employees: Not Just Money or Benefits, But Sharing the Vision!

00:57:40 - Sticking Together: There’s Nothing Like Family! Ohana!

01:01:00 - Solo Act VS. Playing in a Band… Juniper Couldn’t Possibly Choose Just One!

01:03:27 - Playing With Steve Zucchini of the Zucchini Brothers!

01:04:12 - Substance Abuse… Affects Some Musicians, But Not Juniper!

01:06:26 - Recruiting Players: The Life-Blood of Any Sport! Josh Loved It! Transfer Protocol Being Gone is Great!

01:10:37 - MUSIC TIME!!! Juniper Plays “You Ain’t Woman Enough” as a Tribute to Loretta Lynn

01:14:49 - How to Find More Juniper Music: Online and Local Shows!

01:15:54 - Upcoming Events at the Owl: Wine-Pairing Dinner, Steve Candlen!

01:17:25 - Closing Remarks